A teratoma is basically a tumor, usually benign, that usually develops before birth. The exact scientific definition requires that a teratoma be derived from the embryonic stem cells. However, some people interchange this word with teratocarcinoma, which is derived from the germ cells. These teratomas are most commonly found in the brain (see Wikipedia).
Okay, now to answer your question in a more direct way instead of just describing what a teratoma is, there are a few hypotheses about how one forms. My basic knowledge is that either a germ cell or an embryonic stem cell, both of which are able to give rise to the three germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm), gives rise to the teratomas (or teratocarcinomas) when out of place. Experiments have shown that, in the case of mice, when embryonic stem cells are injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the mouse, a teratoma forms because these cells become differentiated. It's like a mini-blastula, to put it crudely.
I don't know when you asked this question, but I hope everything turns out well for you and your family! God bless you!
Okay, now to answer your question in a more direct way instead of just describing what a teratoma is, there are a few hypotheses about how one forms. My basic knowledge is that either a germ cell or an embryonic stem cell, both of which are able to give rise to the three germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm), gives rise to the teratomas (or teratocarcinomas) when out of place. Experiments have shown that, in the case of mice, when embryonic stem cells are injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the mouse, a teratoma forms because these cells become differentiated. It's like a mini-blastula, to put it crudely.
I don't know when you asked this question, but I hope everything turns out well for you and your family! God bless you!
