What is a teratoma?

Discovery Health

A teratoma is a kind of tumor that resembles a malformed fetus. Although it is sometimes mistaken for a phenomenon called fetus in fetu, where one fetus becomes trapped inside its twin, a teratoma does not have a vertebral column, parts of a brain or other organs. It is typically a group of cells that develop skin and teeth.

Continue Learning about Birth Defects

Discovery Health

In dextrocardia with situs solitus, a congenital condition, the heart is on the right side of the ch...

Michael E. Seiff, MD

Treatment of Chiari malformation is very successful, says Michael Seiff, MD, a neurosurgeon at Sunri...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a rare disorder characterized by the congenital fusion of any two of ...

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

The most important thing is that you have completely stopped drinking after learning of your pregnan...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Birth Defects

The cause of most birth defects is unknown, though genetics and environmental factors can play a role. While prenatal tests can detect some birth defects, many are not found immediately. Some birth defects can be prevented by taking vitamins with folic acid before conception and avoiding known contaminants such as smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs.

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