mediastinal dermoid

Last reviewed 01/2018

Dermoid cysts arise from ectodermal tissue, whereas teratomas are germ cell tumours that contain ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal tissue. These teratodermoid tumours occur in the mediastinum mainly in 20 to 30 year age group, most often in the anterior mediastinum, in front of pericardium and great vessels. In general, dermoids are cystic and benign, whereas teratomas are solid and malignant.

Teratodermoids may contain tissues such as hair, skin, sebaceous tissue, glandular tissue.