Can a teratoma be treated with hysteroscopy?

Written by Li Lin

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on December 16, 2024

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Hysteroscopy is an effective method for the examination and treatment of diseases within the uterine cavity, performed by entering through the vagina and cervix. However, teratomas are tumors commonly located in both ovaries, and since hysteroscopy cannot access the abdominal cavity, it is not possible to perform teratoma surgery with hysteroscopy. If teratomas are found in both ovaries, it is necessary to choose laparoscopy to remove the tumors within the abdominal cavity, rather than using hysteroscopy for treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 11sec

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Postoperative Care for Teratoma Surgery

After undergoing teratoma surgery, women shouldn't assume that everything is settled once the surgery is over. There are several precautions to be mindful of. For example, it's advisable to avoid exhaustion, sexual intercourse, sitz baths, and swimming for a month. It's also important to stay away from spicy foods. These measures primarily help prevent infections and promote the healing of the surgical site. Under normal circumstances, unless there are particular issues such as purulent vaginal discharge, or the surgical site becomes split, swollen, or starts discharging pus, a routine follow-up is recommended one month post-surgery. This includes a gynecological exam and a pelvic ultrasound to assess the healing of the incision. Additionally, understanding the recovery of the menstrual cycle is essential. For women planning to conceive, some pre-pregnancy advice should also be provided. Afterwards, it is suggested that women undergo a check-up every six months to a year to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

56sec

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Can teratoma affect pregnancy?

Teratoma is a relatively common disease that occurs in the ovaries of women, caused by abnormal differentiation of reproductive cells during the embryonic period. Teratomas are classified into benign and malignant types. Teratomas can indeed affect a woman's ability to become pregnant and can pose a threat to health. Potential complications include torsion, rupture, and infection of the teratoma, which can gradually lead to other concurrent conditions. If not treated promptly, it could cause acute diseases and threaten a woman's ability to reproduce, affecting the happiness of the entire family. When an ovarian teratoma enlarges or undergoes degeneration, it may prevent the normal movement of eggs or fertilized eggs, thereby affecting normal fertility. Upon detection of a teratoma, surgery is generally required for treatment.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

44sec

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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 Xu Xiao Ming

Obstetrics and Gynecology

55sec

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Can teratoma be treated with medication?

Teratomas are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors, commonly found in individuals aged 20-40, usually unilaterally. The contents of the cyst typically include substances like sebum, hair, and teeth. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors, though less common. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis. Surgical treatment is generally recommended for teratomas, while medical treatment is not advised. Less frequently, laparoscopic surgery can be used for certain teratomas. If a teratoma is suspected to be malignant preoperatively, exploratory laparotomy is often performed. Postoperative outcomes are generally better for benign mature teratomas. In cases of malignant teratomas, chemotherapy may be required after surgery.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

40sec

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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.