National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
It is possible that the main title of the report Cervical Teratoma is not the name you expected.
Cervical teratomas are extremely rare germ cell tumors (neoplasm) that occur in the neck. The majority of teratomas occur in the testes or ovaries (gonads) or the lower back (sacrococcygeal region). In rare cases, other areas such as the neck may be affected. Most cervical tumors occur in children and are non-cancerous (benign). In extremely rare cases, cervical teratomas occur in adults and are usually cancerous (malignant).
The term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cellular growth that invades surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasize) to distant bodily tissues or organs via the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or other means. Different forms of cancer are be classified based upon the cell type involved, the specific nature of the malignancy, and the disease's clinical course.
Teratomas are germ cell tumors that, in rare cases, occur in the head and neck region. Some researchers differentiate between cervical and primary thyroid teratomas. For a diagnosis of primary thyroid teratoma one of three conditions must be met: a tumor must occupy a portion of the thyroid gland, a direct connection must exist between the tumor and the thyroid, or a teratoma is accompanied by the absence of the thyroid. However, most cervical teratomas have some type of relationship with the thyroid and the clinical picture and prognosis between these tumors is the same. Therefore, many researchers have abandoned separating these tumors and classify all neck teratomas as cervical teratomas.
American Cancer Society, Inc.
- 250 Williams NW St
- Ste 6000
- Atlanta, GA 30303
- Tel: (404)320-3333
- Tel: (800)227-2345
- Website: http://www.cancer.org
American Childhood Cancer Organization
- 10920 Connecticut Ave
- Suite A
- Kensington, MD 20895
- Tel: (301)962-3520
- Fax: (301)962-3521
- Tel: (800)366-2223
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
- Website: http://www.acco.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
March of Dimes
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- White Plains, NY 10605
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- Fax: (914)997-4763
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National Cancer Institute
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- Tel: (800)422-6237
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- Website: http://www.cancer.gov
Rare Cancer Alliance
- 1649 North Pacana Way
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- Website: http://www.rare-cancer.org
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, Inc.
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- Locust Valley, NY 11560-0053
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- Tel: (800)377-0928
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- Website: http://www.spohnc.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 3/20/2012
Copyright 2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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