Pathology · Reproductive System · Medium
Teratoma
Meaning: Germ cell tumour containing tissue from all three embryonic layers, such as hair, fat and teeth.
In practice: A pelvic dermoid cyst may be recognised on plain film by a calcified tooth lying within it.
Word parts
- -oma means a lump, mass or tumour
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Slow-growing, locally aggressive malignant tumour arising from remnants of the embryonic axial rod.
Answer: Chordoma
Which word means: Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength.
Answer: Sarcopenia
Words like teratoma come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.