10 Causes of Spina Bifida
Cause #6: Teratoma and Other Tumors
Teratoma is a type of tumor that is made up of several types of tissue such as bone, hair, or muscle. It is most commonly found in the testicles, ovaries, or tailbone. A small tumor will result in minimal symptoms. It can also present as a painless lump.
A teratoma can be divided into immature and mature teratomas. An immature teratoma can be cancerous while mature teratoma are usually benign. Treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy (if malignant). It occurs in 1 in 30,000 newborns, with females more commonly affected than males. Teratoma and other tumors in the sacrococcygeal region have been reported to be possible causes of meningocele.
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