“ This is a benign germ cell tumour usually presenting in children or young adults. Derived from two or more germ cell layers. Rarely malign...
“
This is a benign germ cell tumour usually presenting in children or young adults. Derived from two or more germ cell layers. Rarely malignant (prognosis then very poor). Mediastinal teratomas are mostly (95%) found in the anterior mediastinum.
PLAIN FILM
• Well-defined mass in the anterior mediastinum
• Widened mediastinum, rounded margins with or without calcification
• With or without pleural effusion
CT
• Most are cystic (fluid density), often with a fatty component (a fat-fluid level is pathognomic).
• There is commonly calcification (sometimes in the form of a tooth).
• Thickened, enhancing soft tissue components suggest malignancy.
Teratoma. Chest x-ray demonstrating a mediastinal mass (white arrow). The hilum can be visualised (hilum overlay sign). The mass is inseparable from the heart border, which indicates that it must lie within the anterior mediastinum.
Teratoma. Computed tomography image of the same patient as in, demonstrating that the mass (white arrow) contains soft tissue and fat in keeping with a teratoma.
”
- For Radiology Cases, Discussion join: Radiology Made Easy on Facebook
- Subscribe to our youtube channel for FRCR radiology case discussion
- Join our Telegram group: Radiology Made Easy
