| disease | Teratoma |
The etiology of the disease is unclear. It may originate as a true tumor from pluripotent germ layers, while some suggest it arises from embryonic cells that detach from the main body, leading to disorganized differentiation and excessive proliferation. Teratomas exhibit complex tissue components, with tissues derived from at least two germ layers. Classification and nomenclature are inconsistent, but commonly used categories include: (1) **Dermoid cyst or dermoid tumor**: The most common type, derived from ectoderm and mesoderm. The tumor surface consists of skin, including sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair, and hair follicles. The stroma primarily comprises adipose tissue, muscle, cartilage, bone, teeth, and neural brain tissue, with all components arranged chaotically without forming complete organs. (2) **Teratoid tumor and true teratoma**: Derived from all three germ layers, including respiratory and digestive epithelium from endoderm. The former shows poor differentiation without organ-like structures, while the latter is well-differentiated with organ-like tissue architecture. Patients may also present with congenital cranial deformities. (3) **Maxillary Chinese Taxillus Herb fetus**: A highly differentiated teratoma with fully developed organs and limbs, aligned along the same embryonic axis as the host and identifiable macroscopically.
bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations
Small teratomas in the pharynx are often asymptomatic and diagnosed as fistula disease, sometimes discovered during pharyngeal examination. Slightly larger tumors may partially obstruct the pharyngeal cavity, leading to symptoms such as snoring, discontinuous sucking, increased nasal secretions, pronounced nasal tone, throat itching, nausea, and vomiting. Most tumors are pedunculated. Larger tumors perpendicular to the hypopharynx or laryngeal vestibule may cause suffocation; those falling into the esophagus can lead to dysphagia; obstruction of the nasopharynx results in mouth breathing and feeding difficulties in children.
Physical examination often reveals pedunculated tumors with high mobility, resembling polyps, appearing as masses. The base of the pedicle is covered with mucous membrane, and the tumor surface is grayish-white or translucent, with numerous yellow cilia or hairs.Larger tumors are easier to diagnose, while smaller tumors and those located in the nasopharynx are more difficult to diagnose. Nasopharyngeal palpation, skull base X-rays, CT scans, and other examinations can aid in diagnosis. The definitive diagnosis is based on pathological results.
