Teratoma MRI
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Teratoma Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Teratoma MRI On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Teratoma MRI |
Overview
Teratomas are thought to be present since birth, or even before birth, and therefore can be considered congenital tumors. However, many teratomas are not diagnosed until much later in childhood or in adulthood. Large tumors are more likely to be diagnosed early on. Sacrococcygeal and cervical teratomas are often detected by prenatal ultrasound. Additional diagnostic methods may include prenatal MRI. In rare circumstances, the tumor is so large that the fetus may be damaged or die. In the case of large sacrococcygeal teratomas, a significant portion of the fetus' blood flow is redirected toward the teratoma (a phenomenon called steal syndrome), causing heart failure, or hydrops, of the fetus. In certain cases, fetal surgery may be indicated.