Are ovarian teratomas congenital?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on October 29, 2024
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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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will a teratoma regrow if it is removed?

After surgery for ovarian teratoma, whether it can regrow is uncertain, because ovarian tissue can potentially develop such tumors. Ovarian teratomas can be benign or malignant. The recurrence rate of benign teratomas is very low after surgery, but there is still a possibility of regrowth. However, for malignant teratomas, also known as immature teratomas, surgery involves removing the affected ovary. The opposite ovary can be preserved if it is normal, depending on the patient's age, but regular follow-ups are necessary. If the patient is older, an extensive surgery for teratoma, which includes the removal of both the uterus and ovaries, might be required.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why does a teratoma have hair?

Mature teratomas contain lipids, hair, and even bone and other tissue structures within the tumor cavity. The main reason for this is that teratomas are composed of cells from multiple embryonic layers. These embryonic layer cells can develop in different directions, further developing into tissues such as hair, lipids, or bones. Therefore, during surgical procedures, it is common to find hair within the teratoma.

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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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Ovarian teratoma grows larger after pregnancy.

If it is confirmed that there is an ovarian teratoma, normally, its impact on pregnancy is not significant. However, the teratoma may grow rapidly due to hormonal influences. If the specific pathological nature of the teratoma can be determined and malignancy is ruled out, it is possible to temporarily observe the condition. During the entire pregnancy, close monitoring of the growth of the tumor is necessary. It is feasible to perform a cesarean section during a normal full-term delivery, and remove the ovarian teratoma surgically, achieving complete cure.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How large must an ovarian teratoma be to require surgery?

Ovarian teratomas, if detected by ultrasound, are indicative of surgery regardless of the size of the tumor. However, it is essential to locate the lesion accurately to proceed with the surgery. For teratomas smaller than two centimeters, it can be quite challenging to find the lesion, which might lead to surgical failure. Additionally, this can increase the trauma for the patient and the costs of surgery. Thus, it is generally advised to perform surgery on teratomas that are larger than two centimeters to ensure a more reliable outcome. In cases where patients have other diseases in conjunction with a teratoma, it is also feasible to consider removing the teratoma during surgery for the other conditions, always attempting to thoroughly explore and locate the teratoma regardless of its size.