Immature teratomas in children.

In a retrospective study comprising 216 germ-cell tumours occurring in children from birth to the age of 18 years, 27 immature teratomas were found at a variety of sites. Seventeen of these were curatively treated by means of one operation. Only two patients died as a direct result of tumour growth. Recurrences and metastases often proved to be treatable. In ovarian tumours grading was of considerable prognostic importance. The term malignant teratoma, which is sometimes used to describe these tumours, is confusing and should be avoided.