Post-pubertal Teratoma : Immature
Section Editor: Dharam M. Ramnani, MD
Virginia Urology, Richmond, VA, USA
Image Description
Immature elements are commonly present in postpubertal-type teratomas. They carry no known prognostic significance. Therefore, a distinction between mature and immature teratomas is no longer made.
The immature elements include neuroectoderm, blastema, and embryonic tubules. Neuroectoderm consists of small primitive-appearing hyperchromatic cells arranged in rosettes or tubules (as seen here). They resemble structures seen in early embryonic central nervous system. Blastema consists of nodules of small hyperchromatic cells with scant cytoplasm. Blastema may be associated with embryonic tubules and resemble nephroblastoma or pulmonary blastoma.
The immature elements include neuroectoderm, blastema, and embryonic tubules. Neuroectoderm consists of small primitive-appearing hyperchromatic cells arranged in rosettes or tubules (as seen here). They resemble structures seen in early embryonic central nervous system. Blastema consists of nodules of small hyperchromatic cells with scant cytoplasm. Blastema may be associated with embryonic tubules and resemble nephroblastoma or pulmonary blastoma.