Clinicopathological study of seven cases of spinal cord teratoma: a possible germ cell origin

Abstract

Spinal cord teratoma is a rare, mainly benign tumour, which could be associated with vertebral anomaly. The pathogenesis of this tumour is controversial, possibly due to germinal cell aberration.

Intramedullary Teratoma in an Adolescent Patient

“…According to the most accepted theory, teratoma arises from primordial germ cells misplaced into the dorsal midline from yolk sac to the gonadal ridges. 8 …”

Spinal intradural teratomas: developmental programs gone awry?

“…1,2,9 Spinal teratomas are exceedingly rare and constitute 0.1%-0.5% of all spinal tumors. 2,9,10 Intradural spinal teratomas can be located either extra-or intramedullary, 1,4,[8][9][10] and can be classified as mature or immature based on the degree of differentiation.…”

“…1,2,9 Spinal teratomas are exceedingly rare and constitute 0.1%-0.5% of all spinal tumors. 2,9,10 Intradural spinal teratomas can be located either extra-or intramedullary, 1,4,[8][9][10] and can be classified as mature or immature based on the degree of differentiation. 1,2,4,9,10 Whereas the classic model posits that spinal teratomas are the result of misplaced primordial germ cells, an alternative theory suggests that a dysembryogenic mechanism may be at the root of these lesions.…”

“…2,9,10 Intradural spinal teratomas can be located either extra-or intramedullary, 1,4,[8][9][10] and can be classified as mature or immature based on the degree of differentiation. 1,2,4,9,10 Whereas the classic model posits that spinal teratomas are the result of misplaced primordial germ cells, an alternative theory suggests that a dysembryogenic mechanism may be at the root of these lesions. The proponents of the dysembryogenic theory cite the association of these lesions with dysraphic malformations, the pluripotent nature of the developing caudal spinal cord, and evidence for dysembryogenic origin in other midline tumors as substantiation for this mechanism.…”

“…The proponents of the dysembryogenic theory cite the association of these lesions with dysraphic malformations, the pluripotent nature of the developing caudal spinal cord, and evidence for dysembryogenic origin in other midline tumors as substantiation for this mechanism. 1,7,9,12 We present a case of intradural spinal teratoma in an 18-year-old man with symptoms of bilateral lower-extremity weakness, and we review the literature regarding theories on the origin of spinal teratomas.…”