How should a teratoma be treated?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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In gynecology, a teratoma refers to an ovarian teratoma. The surgical procedure for an ovarian teratoma is tumor excision. Therefore, immediate surgery is required once an ovarian teratoma is diagnosed. During an ultrasound, only the ovarian tumor can be seen, but its nature cannot be determined. Typically, a rapid pathological examination is needed during surgery. If the pathology results still indicate a mature teratoma, it is a benign tumor, and surgical removal is sufficient. Therefore, once discovered, surgical treatment is necessary because if the teratoma grows larger, it can damage the ovaries, potentially causing infertility or reduced ovarian function.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can ovarian teratomas be cured?

Ovarian teratoma is a relatively common tumor disease in women, mostly benign in nature, and its development is largely associated with congenital factors. For small ovarian teratomas detected early, regular follow-up examinations are generally sufficient. However, surgery is required when necessary, such as in cases of rapid growth or when endocrine functions are involved, etc. Relying solely on medication to treat teratomas is utterly ineffective, as this type of tumor is a more solid ovarian tumor, and no medication will work.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long after ovarian teratoma surgery can one become pregnant?

When suffering from ovarian teratomas, it is necessary to undergo surgical removal as soon as possible. For women with fertility needs, it is generally possible to plan for pregnancy three months after the surgery. Ovarian teratomas are mostly benign, and the body can usually recover quickly after the surgery, approximately 2-3 months later, at which point the ovaries generally resume normal ovulatory function. It is recommended that women undergo regular follow-ups at the hospital after the surgical removal, as there is a possibility of recurrence of teratomas. Moreover, it is advisable to schedule intercourse based on the ovulation status.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are teratomas mostly benign?

Ovarian teratomas belong to the category of germ cell tumors, which are divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Immature teratomas are malignant and account for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas, thus they occur relatively less frequently. These are more commonly found in young patients, with an average age of 11-19 years. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign and can account for 10%-20% of ovarian tumors and 85%-97% of germ cell tumors, comprising over 95% of ovarian teratomas. These can occur at any age, but are most common between 20-40 years, often unilateral, and may contain components such as fats, hair, and sometimes teeth and bone tissues. Thus, the majority of mature teratomas are benign tumors.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is a teratoma pregnancy?

Teratoma is not a pregnancy; it is a type of ovarian tumor. Most of the time, this tumor is benign. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 20 and 40 years. The formation of teratomas is generally due to poor differentiation during the embryonic stage, resulting in the development of this type of tumor. Very occasionally, teratomas can become malignant, which requires high vigilance. Most cases of malignancy are seen in young females aged between 11 and 19. Malignant teratomas are usually solid, but they can also have cystic areas.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can ovarian teratomas become cancerous?

Ovarian teratomas are mostly benign tumors, and it is usually sufficient to undergo tumor excision or unilateral oophorectomy. However, ovarian teratomas can become malignant, and in such cases, corresponding chemotherapy treatment should be used after surgery based on the condition. Even after chemotherapy, malignant teratomas may recur. If the malignant teratoma recurs, further surgeries can be performed. Each surgery can reduce the malignancy of the teratoma, so surgery combined with chemotherapy is very effective for the treatment of malignant teratomas.