Mediastinal Teratoma

The above images are a PA Chest X-Ray and a CT Scan of the of the Chest revealing a Mediastinal Teratoma.

A teratoma is tumor consisting of different types of tissue, as of skin, hair, and muscle, caused by the development of independent germ or reproductive cells.

Mediastinal teratomas account for 7% of all teratomas. The mature type of these are benign and do not have potential to metastasize. These can be found in all age groups however they are most common in adults 20-40 years of age.

They are often asymptomatic. If symptoms due occur, they can include chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing, or symptoms similar to pneumonitis.

The treatment for mediastinal teratomas is typically just surgical removal of the cyst. The surgical procedure is the most often cause of complications.