Can women with ovarian teratomas have children?

Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on November 15, 2024

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Ovarian teratomas, if discovered after pregnancy, do not significantly impact the child; however, it's crucial to confirm that the ovarian teratoma is benign. If detected during pregnancy, close observation is possible, and sudden lower abdominal pain may indicate ovarian torsion, which requires timely surgical intervention. If there are no symptoms, surgery can wait until after the child is born. If an ovarian teratoma is discovered before pregnancy, it is advisable to undergo surgery before becoming pregnant because ovarian teratomas can sometimes be malignant, and torsion may occur during pregnancy, which could affect the child.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Chang Yue

General Surgery

54sec

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How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic teratoma surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery for teratomas generally allows those with minor and less severe symptoms to recover back to normal within about one to two weeks. However, recovery takes longer for complex teratomas, especially those that involve the removal of parts of organs. In severe cases where sections of the intestine are removed, recovery can extend to three to four weeks or more. Therefore, the specific recovery time for treating teratomas with laparoscopy must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's specific condition. Moreover, after laparoscopic surgery for teratomas, it is essential to conduct further pathological examinations. Some malignant teratomas may require additional surgeries, and maybe even include chemotherapy or other treatment measures, potentially extending the recovery period.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 3sec

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Can you get pregnant with an ovarian teratoma?

Ovarian teratomas are common benign solid tumors of the ovaries and generally do not affect pregnancy in women. Ovarian teratomas are usually small; if they are under three centimeters, surgery may not be necessary, and regular ultrasound monitoring is sufficient. This is because small ovarian teratomas can be difficult to locate during surgery, and the procedure can cause some damage to the ovaries. However, in the following situations, it is advisable to treat the teratoma before attempting to conceive: First, if the teratoma is larger than five centimeters, it should be removed regardless of whether it is benign or malignant, as even benign teratomas can cause complications during pregnancy such as rupture, infection, or malignant transformation. Second, if the teratoma grows rapidly over a short period, this suggests the possibility of malignancy. In such cases, the teratoma should be surgically removed and sent for pathological examination before attempting to conceive.

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Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

52sec

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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 Sun Shan Shan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

51sec

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Can ovarian teratomas be treated with Chinese medicine?

Ovarian teratomas cannot be treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Firstly, ovarian teratomas are categorized as germ cell tumors and are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors. The cysts may contain hair, teeth, and some bony material. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors that make up 1% to 3% of ovarian teratomas and are more common in younger patients aged 11 to 19 years. Therefore, once an ovarian teratoma is suspected, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for further examinations to determine the nature of the cyst, and then, based on the examination results, appropriately handle it with timely surgical intervention.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

50sec

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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.