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Journal of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery logoLink to Journal of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery
. 2009 Jun 10;8(1):60–63. doi: 10.1007/s12663-009-0015-x

Head and neck teratomas

Ajaz Shah 1,, Suhail Latoo 2, Irshad Ahmed 1, Altaf H Malik 1
PMCID: PMC3454029  PMID: 23139473

Abstract

Teratomas are complex lesions composed of diverse tissues from all 3 germinal cell layers and may exhibit variable levels of maturity. Head and neck teratomas are most commonly cervical with the oropharynx (epignathus) being the second commonest location. In this article, clinical presentation, behaviour and associated significance of head and neck teratomas have been highlightened. Because of their obscure origin, bizarre microscopic appearance, unpredictable behaviour and often dramatic clinical presentation, a dental surgeon or a dental specialist should be aware of their clinical presentation and pathology.

Keywords: Teratomas, Epignathus

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