Can ovarian teratomas become cancerous?

Written by Fan Li Ping
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Most ovarian teratomas are a type of benign tumor on the ovaries, but a few may become malignant. Therefore, if an ultrasound suggests an ovarian teratoma and it is relatively small, around two to three centimeters, without any symptoms, we can temporarily observe it. However, the condition is that we should test for tumor markers, such as checking if there are significant increases in CA-125 or AFP, to see if there's a tendency for malignancy. Another condition is that regular follow-up examinations are essential. If there's a sudden increase in size in a short period or a continuous growth, it is advisable to consider surgical treatment, as early surgical intervention tends to have better outcomes.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is the recurrence of ovarian teratoma serious?

If there is a recurrence after undergoing ovarian teratoma surgery, it is considered serious. In such cases, it should be considered that the ovarian teratoma might be malignant, and malignant teratomas can potentially metastasize. Therefore, it is recommended that women, after having ovarian teratoma surgery, should actively pursue further radiotherapy and chemotherapy based on the nature of the teratoma, to control the cancer cells. In daily life, it is advisable to eat a light diet, consume various fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid cold, spicy, and irritating foods. Moderate exercise should be performed to enhance physical condition and maintain a cheerful mood, all of which can help alleviate the condition.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does ovarian teratoma affect menstruation?

Ovarian teratomas include mature teratomas, which are benign tumors. These benign ovarian teratomas do not affect menstruation. However, there are also malignant teratomas, which are immature teratomas. Immature teratomas can secrete hormones, and because they secrete different types of hormones, their impact on menstruation varies. If an ovarian teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical treatment is required, because if it is an immature teratoma, it is malignant. Prolonged presence can lead to metastasis. If a teratoma is detected early, early-stage malignant tumors can be cured through surgical treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the cause of the pain from a teratoma?

Female teratomas are cystic-solid tumors located on the ovaries. When they are small in size, they generally do not cause pain. However, as they grow larger, due to gravitational pull, they stretch the surrounding ligaments, causing women to experience hidden pain on one side of the lower abdomen. This pain is bearable and only intensifies after vigorous activities or intercourse. Some women may experience increased pain if they have a pelvic infection or during menstruation. Because teratomas are uneven in texture, if they are not adherent to surrounding structures and are relatively mobile, and their stalk is thinner, they might twist under certain circumstances, such as rolling over, spinning hula hoops, or during pregnancy, when the uterus grows and changes the position of the teratoma, leading to acute lower abdominal pain from torsion of the teratoma’s stalk. Therefore, when a woman experiences abdominal pain from a teratoma, it is essential to conduct a gynecological examination and pelvic ultrasound to understand the specific cause of the pain.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Are ovarian teratomas congenital?

Ovarian teratomas are congenital, primarily deriving from primordial germ cells. Teratomas consist of tissues from multiple embryonic layers, mostly being immature types. Most ovarian teratomas are cystic. Depending on the degree of tissue differentiation, teratomas can be classified as benign or malignant. Benign teratomas, also known as mature teratomas, are more common in women aged 20-40 and are usually unilateral and either round or ovoid in shape. A portion of these teratomas are malignant, typically found in younger patients, roughly aged 11-19 years, and this condition has a poorer prognosis, requiring timely surgical treatment.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is ovarian teratoma cancer?

Ovarian teratomas are divided into benign and malignant types. If the teratoma is malignant, then it is a type of cancer. If it is benign, it is not cancer; it is just a tumor. The malignancy of a tumor is not as high as that of cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to determine its pathological type. After removing the teratoma, it should be sent to the pathology department for examination to clearly determine whether it is benign or malignant. For benign teratomas, postoperative follow-up observation is sufficient. However, if the teratoma is malignant, the scope of the surgery should be conducted according to the protocols for ovarian cancer, and chemotherapy is required after surgery.