How to treat ovarian teratoma

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The treatment for ovarian teratoma can only be addressed through surgical methods; this type of teratoma cannot be treated effectively with medication or conservative approaches. Therefore, once an ultrasound report indicates the presence of a teratoma, it is often advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible. After the surgery, the removed tissue should be examined pathologically again to check for any malignant tendencies. The majority of teratomas are benign, with only a very small number of undifferentiated ones showing malignant potential. Hence, most teratomas require surgical treatment at a hospital. There are different surgical options for treating teratomas, including open abdominal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. If conditions allow, most people will opt for laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian teratomas.

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What are the symptoms of teratoma recurrence?

If a teratoma recurs, in cases of benign teratomas, generally there are no symptoms. Symptoms only arise when the tumor grows large enough to compress the bladder and intestines, which might induce signs of bladder and rectal irritation. Additionally, a teratoma might undergo torsion due to changes in body position, causing sudden lower abdominal pain. If it is a malignant teratoma, there might not be noticeable symptoms early on. The recurrence of a teratoma can only be detected through regular monitoring with ultrasound and tumor markers; there are no better methods available.

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Do teratomas need to be surgically removed?

If a teratoma is confirmed, it is recommended that the patient undergo surgery immediately to confirm the diagnosis. The surgery for teratoma can be divided into minimally invasive and open surgery. Due to the development of current medical techniques, most teratomas can be operated on using laparoscopy, which is characterized by faster recovery and less trauma. However, in certain special cases, such as when the teratoma is large or the patient is overweight and has a number of other chronic diseases, open surgery can be chosen.

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How large must a teratoma be to require surgery?

Ovarian teratomas belong to a type of ovarian germ cell tumor. Ovarian teratomas can be classified into mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, which are a type of benign tumor. There are also immature teratomas, which are malignant tumors commonly found in younger patients, typically between the ages of 11 and 19. If an ovarian teratoma is found to be over three centimeters in diameter, further examinations such as a CA125 test and pelvic CT scan are needed. In the absence of other complications, elective surgical treatment can be planned. However, if the examination reveals high CA125 levels and the pelvic CT confirms the diagnosis, and the cyst is growing rapidly with high blood lipids, timely surgical treatment is necessary, followed by a rapid pathological examination during the surgery.

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Can you have intercourse with a teratoma?

When a woman has a teratoma, whether intercourse is advisable depends on the size of the tumor or the woman’s clinical symptoms. For example, if the teratoma is small and usually shows no clinical symptoms, normal intercourse is possible. As the size of the teratoma increases, some women may experience symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen accompanied by discomfort in the back. During intercourse, the impact and change in tension could exacerbate these abdominal symptoms. Additionally, frequent changes in position during intercourse might provoke the teratoma, potentially leading to torsion and acute abdominal conditions, such as sudden lower abdominal pain. For these women, intercourse is still possible, but it is important to be gentle and slow when changing positions to avoid inducing these issues.

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What to do about ovarian teratoma abdominal pain?

If a patient has an ovarian teratoma and also has abdominal pain, they should immediately visit a local hospital for a gynecological examination and a gynecological ultrasound. The main purpose is to confirm whether there is torsion of the ovarian teratoma. Once torsion of the ovarian teratoma occurs, it can cause ischemic necrosis of the ipsilateral fallopian tube and ovary, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, once an ovarian teratoma is detected, it is not advisable for the patient to continue observation treatment. Prompt surgery is key to avoiding pathological changes and complications.