Most teratomas are benign but malignant trans- formation does occur in 1-3% of cases. Teratomas can cause adnexal torsion or they may rupture and provoke acute peritonitis (Jones, 1988). Teratomas should therefore be removed when diagnosed.

How long can you live with a teratoma?

The five-year survival rate for stage 1 disease is 90 percent to 95 percent, while advanced stage survival drops to about 50 percent with Grade 1 to 2 cancer and to 25 percent or less when the tumors are found to be Grade 3.

Can teratomas be fatal?

Urgent surgery was performed, and a ruptured, benign mature teratoma was diagnosed. Mature mediastinal teratomas are benign tumors, but they can rupture and have the potential to grow rapidly, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.