Will the teratoma recur after the ovary is removed?

Written by Zhao Xiao Dong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 03, 2024
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For teratomas, ovarian tumor excision surgery is generally chosen. If the teratoma is too large, and the remaining ovarian tissue is insufficient, there is no need to preserve the ovary, or if the teratoma has severe torsion causing ovarian tissue necrosis, an oophorectomy is necessary. After the oophorectomy, recurrence on the same side is generally not observed, but there is sometimes a possibility of recurrence on the opposite side, though the likelihood of recurrence is very low. Generally, if one ovary is removed due to a teratoma, the recurrence rate on the opposite side is usually less than 10%. Treatment of teratomas is generally surgical, and if not treated timely, complications such as torsion may occur.

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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 Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Teratoma Benign and Malignant Differences

Teratoma refers to a common type of germ cell tumor, which can be classified into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas are benign tumors, accounting for 10%-20% of ovarian tumors. They can occur at any age but are more common between the ages of 20 and 40. Most are unilateral, of moderate size, and usually have a single compartment filled with sebum and hair; sometimes teeth and bone can also be found. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors, making up 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas. These are more frequent in younger patients, with an average age of 11 to 19 years. The ovaries are predominantly solid but may include cystic areas, primarily consisting of primitive neural tissue. The malignancy level of the ovary depends on the proportion of immature tissue, the degree of differentiation, and the content of neuroepithelial tissue.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of a teratoma?

Patients with teratomas may have no clinical symptoms whatsoever. Some women only discover ovarian teratomas incidentally during gynecological ultrasound examinations at health check-ups. However, it is important to note that if ovarian teratomas develop complications, they can present a range of clinical symptoms. For example, if an ovarian teratoma undergoes torsion, the patient may experience lower abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Moreover, if the teratoma has malignant tendencies, it can exhibit a series of clinical manifestations typical of malignant tumors.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What's the matter with ovarian teratoma pain?

The causes of lower abdominal pain in women with ovarian teratomas are complex. Firstly, as the teratoma grows in size, it can, due to gravity, pull on surrounding ligaments, causing pain on one side of the lower abdomen. When the teratoma is particularly large, it can also compress nerves in the pelvis, leading to neuropathic pain. Moreover, teratomas are heterogeneously textured. If they are quite mobile and not adhering to surrounding tissues, sudden changes in body position, or an increase in uterine size during the mid-pregnancy, might shift the position of the teratoma. This can lead to torsion of the stalk, causing local ischemia and hypoxia, and resulting in acute lower abdominal pain.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ovarian teratoma is what?

Ovarian teratoma, which is one of several types of ovarian cysts, is mostly benign. However, in clinical practice, there is a possibility for some ovarian teratomas to become malignant. Therefore, it is recommended that if ovarian teratoma is suspected, immediate examinations should be conducted at local hospitals to assess the condition. If necessary, it is advised that patients with ovarian teratoma undergo surgical removal of the tumor in the hospital.