Twin in the Body? The Mystery of Teratoma

Tallós Rita’s case highlights the importance of gynecological screenings, as a routine examination revealed an unusual abnormality in the actress’s body. Based on the ultrasound conducted during the screening, her doctors reached a surprising conclusion: the hair of her deceased twin brother began to grow within the actress’s body. This finding is particularly striking, as there are several sets of twins in her family, and a cousin with similar symptoms had previously undergone surgery.

The dark brown, solid mass of hair removed from the actress’s body was detected in time, so it did not cause any complaints and did not affect vital organs. Tallós Rita wants to emphasize that regular screenings are essential for maintaining women’s health.

What is a teratoma?

A teratoma is a type of tumor that develops from germ cells and is generally considered a form of dermoid cyst. The term “teratoma” means “monster,” indicating that the tumor can be composed of various tissues. These types of tumors arise from embryonic tissues that develop in the early stages of growth and can contain multiple types of tissues, such as hair, fat, muscle, or even bone. Most teratomas are benign, but they can rarely be malignant, which requires special attention.

Teratomas can have a diverse appearance, depending on the tissues that make them up. In some cases, the tumor may even present as teeth or small fingers, while in other cases, it consists merely of a mixture of tissues. In women, teratomas most commonly occur in the ovaries, while in men, they are found in the testes, but they can also occur in children in the area of the coccyx. Teratomas can develop in various locations, such as the neck or abdominal cavity, leading to a wide range of potential problems.

Recognizing a teratoma

The diagnosis of a teratoma can be made using various methods, but the most common and effective way is through ultrasound, especially during pregnancy. However, the occurrence of fetal teratomas is extremely rare, with only one case in every 40,000. The symptoms of non-fetal teratomas can manifest in many ways.

The most common signs include a palpable or visible swelling that develops at the site of the tumor. Additionally, elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and B-HCG in blood tests may indicate the presence of a teratoma. If the teratoma is located near the coccyx, patients may report constipation, weakness, or incontinence. It is important for both women and men to be aware of the possible signs of teratoma so they can seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Treatment of teratoma

The treatment of teratoma primarily requires surgical intervention, during which the tumor is removed. The surgical procedure is not without risks, as the tumor is often located near vital organs, particularly in the head and neck area. During surgery, surgeons must pay special attention to avoid damaging surrounding structures.

In rarer cases, a teratoma can become malignant, making continuous monitoring of patients essential. As part of the treatment plan, specialists recommend regular check-ups to ensure early detection of any potential recurrence of the tumor. Therefore, the treatment of teratoma is not just about removing the tumor but also about the long-term protection of the patient’s health.