Teratoma

A teratoma is a tumor in the brain or spine that grows from a reproductive cell (egg or sperm). It's likely present at birth, having developed in utero, but is often not diagnosed until between the ages of 11 and 30. These rare tumors may contain hair, teeth, bone, eyes, torso tissue, hands, feet or tissue from the brain, thyroid, liver or lungs. Immature teratomas, which are more common in children, are usually benign but can grow quickly. Mature teratomas are more common in adult men and can be cancerous.

Within the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments that remove teratoma tumors or reduce their size, all while keeping surrounding tissue safe. Using 3D brain mapping, our neurosurgeons can pinpoint the tumor with immense accuracy. We can perform the entire operation through an endoscope, removing the tumor through the nasal cavity so critical parts of the brain are untouched, and recovery is smoother and faster.