A visual compendium of teratomas and their diverse anatomical locations

Teratomas are a common type of germ cell tumours which may be benign or malignant. Benign mature teratomas are the most frequent subtype and typically show intralesional fat and calcifications within a cystic mass. Immature/malignant teratomas are usually larger with irregular solid components, coarse calcifications, small amounts of fat, and with or without necrosis or haemorrhage. Teratomas can manifest in various anatomical locations, particularly in the sacrococcygeal, gonadal, mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and intracranial regions. This article explores the imaging characteristics and diverse locations of teratomas as well as discusses about possible differential diagnoses to facilitate early detection and ensure prompt treatment.