The diagnosis of a mature teratoma often begins with imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan, which can reveal the presence of a complex mass with both cystic and solid components. These imaging techniques can suggest the presence of a teratoma, but a definitive diagnosis typically requires a biopsy or surgical removal of the tumor for histological examination. Elevated levels of certain tumor markers, such as AFP or hCG, may sometimes be present, but are not as commonly associated with mature teratomas as they are with other germ cell tumors.
