Teratomas in Females
Mature cystic teratomas are the predominant type of ovarian teratomas, accounting for more than 95% of cases. These tumors typically occur in females in their 20s and 30s. They often consist of cysts and hair, along with remnants of dead sebaceous cells that produce fat. In certain instances, teeth, cartilage, and even bone can be found within the tumor. While malignancies are uncommon, approximately 2% of individuals may develop a secondary tumor, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most prevalent. The recommended treatment for mature ovarian cystic teratomas is surgical removal. If a malignancy is detected, chemotherapy may be necessary in addition to surgery.
Teratomas in Males
Teratomas can develop in both children and adults, specifically in the testicles. While they are typically benign in children, they tend to be malignant in adults and adolescents. Medical professionals caution that even mature teratomas that start out as benign can become aggressive in men who have gone through puberty. The common treatment for testicular teratomas involves surgical removal of the affected testicle. In cases where boys have not yet reached puberty, some surgeons may opt to remove only the tumor while preserving the healthy testicular tissue. In situations where teratomas are malignant, surgery is often combined with chemotherapy.