teratoma. [terâ²ÉtÅâ²mÉ] pl. teratomas, teratomata. a tumor composed of different kinds of tissue, none of which normally occurs together or at the site of the tumor. Teratomas are most common in the ovaries or testes.
The pink-colored film or ring frequently seen on showers, tubs, toilets and pet water bowls is typically caused by growth of the airborne bacteria Serratia marcesens. This harmless nuisance organism reacts with standing water and frequently forms during spring and summer months.
This is why we refer to it as the âmiracleâ bacillus. S. marcescens is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacillus), facultative anaerobic bacterium in the family Enterobacteraciae (figure 2). S. marcescens is often found in the soil, water, on plants and in animals, and is especially common in damp conditions. For example, the pink discoloration and slime (biofilm) on shower corners, toilet basins, and tile grout is S. marcescens bacteria that derive their nutrition from dead skin cells, skin oils, and soap and shampoo residue.