The symptoms produced by a teratoma depend on its location.

 
Sacrococcygeal teratoma: usually detected before birth or directly postnatally; produces symptoms of bladder or bowel dysfunction, like urinary retention or poor bladder control, or unexplained constipation.

Testicular teratomas: these most commonly present as a painless scrotal mass, except if testicular torsion occurs, then pain becomes a prominent feature. Hydrocele is also commonly associated with testicular teratomas that present in childhood.

Mediastinal teratomas: these occur in the mediastinum (the space in the center of the chest cavity) usually is symptom-free, unless it exerts pressure on neighboring organs, then it may cause chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.