Teratomas are rare germ cell tumors containing histologic elements from at least 2 distinct germ cell layers. These are most commonly gonadal or sacrococcygeal tumors. Only around 3% of all teratomas present extragonadally as anterior mediastinal masses or, even more rarely, endobronchial or intrapulmonary masses.

Pulmonary teratomas are generally large, benign cystic lesions. They usually present in the upper lobes. These are most commonly composed of skin, hair, adipose, thymic, bronchial, pancreatic, cartilaginous, and neural tissue. Malignant tumors contain anaplastic cells. When the bronchi are involved, patients can develop obstruction, bronchiectasis, lung abscesses, recurrent pneumonia, and fistulas. Rarely, these lesions may rupture. Cases of endobronchial teratomas have been described in children, without predilection for sex.

Prognosis is excellent for mature teratomas, and surgery is considered curative.