Teratocarcinoma is a type of germ cell cancer. As a type of germ cell cancer, these tumors usually develop in the testes or the ovaries, where most germ cells are located. Still, teratocarcinoma can develop in other parts of the body, including the inside of the mouth or in the neck. It's a rare form of cancer that is usually found in younger patients from 15 to 35 years of age, and despite it being a malignant cancer, treatment may have a high chance of success if the diagnosis is made early.

A teratoma shouldn't be confused with teratocarcinoma. Both, however, are quite ugly things. This is why the name is aptly chosen. Terato has Greek origins and roughly means "monster." The reason these things are "monsterous" is because they can contain organ or tissue components that are normally present in other areas of the body, such as teeth, skin, bone, or even limbs, organs, or even a nonviable fetus.

The main difference between a teratoma and teratocarcinoma is that the former is typically a benign tumor. Teratocarcinoma on the other hand, is comprised of a teratoma and embryonal carcinoma — a relatively rare, malignant form of cancer of the ovaries or testes — or a teratoma and choriocarcinoma — an aggressive, malignant cancer that involves trophoblasts. Trophoblasts are specialized cells that make up the outer layer of blastocytic cells, which provide nutrients to the embryo and form a large part of the placenta.

Teratocarcinoma may come to a patient's attention by way of a painless testicular lump, worrisome abdominal sensations, or menstrual abnormalities. These symptoms, of course, do not necessarily mean that teratocarcinoma is present, however. The patient will usually see a urological or gynecological oncologist who will often take a biopsy for a pathologist to examine. If teratocarcinoma is identified, it will most likely already have metastasized, meaning that the cancer has already spread from its original site into surrounding tissues.

Treatment of germinal tumors, including teratocarcinoma, has a high success rate depending on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Early detection and treatment result in the highest survival rates. The most common suite of treatments for the disease involves radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, which can be effective even if metastasis is present. Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications play an important role in recovery as well.

Unfortunately, the cause of teratocarcinoma is unknown and researchers believe that rates of the disease are increasing, especially among younger men. To prevent this type of testiscular cancer, many experts encourage self-examination for many of the same reasons that self breast exams are helpful in catching breast cancer early.