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.
For instance, the bacterium Escherichia coli, which causes the majority of urinary tract infections, will appear as pink (gram-negative) rods under the microscope. Lactobacillus, which is a common vaginal contaminant in women's urine samples, will appear as thin purple (gram-positive) rods. Some of the bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, are easy for an experienced laboratorian to identify, are nonpathogenic, and do not require any further investigation.