DTMT Network
Cervical teratomas are extremely rare germ cell tumors (neoplasm) that occur in the neck. The majority of teratomas occur in the testes or ovaries (gonads) or the lower back (sacrococcygeal region). Most cervical tumors occur in children and are non-cancerous (benign).

These tumors are much more common in children than adults. Fewer than 50 cases of cervical teratomas in adults have been reported in medical literature. Cervical teratomas affect men and women in equal numbers. Also known as germ cell tumors, these tumors account for 3-5 percent of all tumors in childhood.

In rare cases, other areas such as the neck may be affected. In extremely rare cases, cervical teratomas occur in adults and are usually cancerous (malignant).

The exact cause of cervical teratomas is not known. These tumors appear to occur randomly for no apparent reason (sporadic). Investigators are conducting ongoing basic research to know more about the many contributing factors that result in tumor formation.

Cervical teratomas are germ cell tumors. Germ cells are the cells that develop into the embryo and later on become the cells that make up the reproductive system of men and women.

Most germ cell tumors occur in the testes or ovaries (gonads) or the lower back (sacrococcygeal region). When these tumors occur outside of the gonads, they are known as extragonadal tumors.

The diagnosis of a cervical teratoma is based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, identification of characteristic physical findings, a detailed patient history, and a variety of specialized tests. Such testing includes microscopic evaluation of tumor cells.

The therapeutic management of individuals with cervical teratomas may require the coordinated efforts of a team of medical professionals, such as physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (medical oncologists), specialists in the use of radiation to treat cancer (radiation oncologists), specialists in maternal-fetal health (perinatologists), specialists in the ear, nose and throat (otolaryngologists), pediatric surgeons, oncology nurses, and other specialists.