When Do Teratomas Form?

Testicular teratoma is most common between the ages of 20 to 30, though it can occur at any age.

Are you born with a teratoma?

A teratoma is a congenital (present prior to birth) tumor formed by different types of tissue. Teratomas in newborns are generally benign and don't spread. They can, however, be malignant, depending on the maturity and other types of cells that may be involved.

What causes a teratoma to form?

What Causes Teratoma? Teratomas happen when complications arise during your cells' differentiation process. In particular, they develop in your body's germ cells, which are undifferentiated. This means they can turn into any type of cell – from egg and sperm to hair cells.