Overview
Malignant teratoma of the ovary, also known as immature teratoma of the ovary, is a rare type of ovarian cancer that belongs to a group called germ cell tumors. Germ cells are the cells in the body that develop into eggs in women. Unlike mature teratomas (also called dermoid cysts), which are usually benign, malignant teratomas contain immature or embryonic-like tissue that can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can contain a mix of different tissue types, including immature nerve tissue, cartilage, bone, muscle, and other tissues. This cancer most commonly affects young women and adolescents, typically between the ages of 10 and 30. Symptoms often include abdominal or pelvic pain, a noticeable mass or swelling in the lower belly, bloating, and sometimes irregular menstrual periods. In some cases, the tumor can grow large before it is detected. If the tumor twists on itself (called ovarian torsion), it can cause sudden, severe pain that requires emergency care. The treatment landscape for malignant ovarian teratoma has improved significantly over the past few decades. Surgery is the primary treatment and usually involves removing the affected ovary while preserving the other ovary and the uterus, which is especially important for young women who wish to have children in the future. For tumors that are more advanced or have spread, chemotherapy using a combination of drugs called BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) is the standard approach. With modern treatment, the prognosis is generally favorable, and many patients achieve long-term remission or cure.
Key symptoms:
Abdominal or pelvic painSwelling or a lump in the lower bellyBloating or feeling of fullnessIrregular menstrual periodsNausea or vomitingUnexplained weight lossFatigue or tirednessFeeling of pressure in the pelvisDifficulty eating or feeling full quicklyConstipation or changes in bowel habitsFrequent urinationSudden severe abdominal pain if the tumor twists
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Malignant teratoma of ovary.
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Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Malignant teratoma of ovary.
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the stage and grade of my tumor, and what does that mean for my treatment plan?,Will I need chemotherapy after surgery, and what are the expected side effects?,Can my fertility be preserved, and should I see a reproductive specialist before starting treatment?,How often will I need follow-up visits and blood tests after treatment is completed?,What are the signs of recurrence that I should watch for?,Are there any clinical trials available for my type of tumor?,What long-term side effects should I be aware of from chemotherapy?
Common questions about Malignant teratoma of ovary
What is Malignant teratoma of ovary?
Malignant teratoma of the ovary, also known as immature teratoma of the ovary, is a rare type of ovarian cancer that belongs to a group called germ cell tumors. Germ cells are the cells in the body that develop into eggs in women. Unlike mature teratomas (also called dermoid cysts), which are usually benign, malignant teratomas contain immature or embryonic-like tissue that can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can contain a mix of different tissue types, including immature nerve tissue, cartilage, bone, muscle, and other tissues. This cancer most commonly affec
How is Malignant teratoma of ovary inherited?
Malignant teratoma of ovary follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Malignant teratoma of ovary?
8 specialists and care centers treating Malignant teratoma of ovary are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.