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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Fate Mapping of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Teratoma Formation
Published on: August 1, 2010
Cytologic findings in a fetal intracranial teratoma. A case report
C K Loo1, B Freeman, D Stanford
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, South Western Area Pathology Service, Liverpool Hospital, Locked Mail Bag 90, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.
Background:
Fetal neoplasms are very rare. Recently we had the opportunity to examine the fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of a fetal intracranial teratoma.
Case:
The tumor was found in a 30-week-gestation fetus; the mother was 32 years old, gravida 4, para 1. She presented with a rapid increase in abdominal girth over a two-week period. An ultrasound scan showed severe fetal hydrocephalus and a massive intracranial tumor thought to be a teratoma because of variations in echogenicity and spotty calcification. An FNA biopsy was performed under ultrasound guidance. It showed mainly neuroepithelial cells, so a differential diagnosis of malignant neuroepithelial tumor was considered. At autopsy, several other tissue types were found in the tumor, consistent with a teratoma.
Conclusion:
Advances in diagnosis of fetal anomalies by ultrasound have been associated with an increase in the use of fetal interventions performed in utero. This includes the availability of fetal surgery in some centers. FNA biopsy of fetal lesions does not appear to be well described. Increased experience with this technique is necessary if its full potential is to be realized.
