DESCRIPTION:
Histology of an immature teratoma. While mature elements are seen, areas of embryonic neuroectoderm are also present. A high power view shows the typical cytologic features of these cells; small oval hyperchromatic nuclei surrounded by scant basophilic cytoplasm. The cells tend to line up perpendicular to a central vessel (palisade) forming structures resembling immature notochord. The amount of immature neuroepithelium is essential to assess histologically as it is used in predicting clinical behavior.