What are specialized teratomas?

➢ A rare subtype of teratoma is composed entirely of specialized tissue. ➢ The most common example is struma ovarii, which is composed entirely of mature thyroid tissue that may actually produce hyperthyroidism. ➢ These tumors appear as small, solid, unilateral brown ovarian masses. ➢ Other specialized teratomas include ovarian carcinoid, which in rare instances produces carcinoid syndrome