Gastric Teratoma: Understanding Treatment Options And Management Strategies

A gastric teratoma is an exceptionally rare type of tumor, with a higher prevalence in retroperitoneal and pelvic regions rather than the stomach itself. When identified, surgical removal remains the primary and most effective treatment approach, offering the potential for complete cure when the tumor is localized and resectable.

Teratomas are broadly categorized into mature (benign) and immature (malignant) types. Malignant teratomas demonstrate aggressive biological behavior, often compressing and invading adjacent organs, which necessitates prompt and comprehensive surgical intervention. In such cases, radical resection is crucial to prevent further complications and improve long-term outcomes.

While chemotherapy is generally not considered effective for teratomas, other non-surgical treatments also show limited success in achieving satisfactory results. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are strongly recommended for patients suspected of having a gastric teratoma. Close follow-up and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential, particularly for malignant cases, to monitor for recurrence and ensure optimal management.