Does teratoma affect the fetus?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Teratoma is a common benign ovarian tumor in women, and most teratomas do not affect the fetus. Since the majority of teratomas are smaller than 5cm, even under the stimulation of pregnancy, teratomas generally do not grow significantly large, and it is generally considered that small teratomas do not affect the fetus. However, if the teratoma is very large, more than 8cm, there is a risk of rupture and infection during pregnancy, which could potentially affect the fetus. For large teratomas during pregnancy, enhanced monitoring is necessary to avoid rupture and infection, in order to protect the fetus.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is a teratoma the same as a cyst?

Teratoma is a type of ovarian cyst, and whether surgery is necessary depends on the specific conditions found during examination. Teratomas are related to congenital factors. It has been found that medication is ineffective in treating teratomas. If the teratoma is relatively small, regular check-ups can be sufficient. However, if it is growing rapidly, there is a possibility of malignant transformation, or if it is large enough to cause abdominal pain due to torsion, then surgery must be prepared for immediately. Ultimately, the nature of the teratoma is determined through pathological examination.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long after minimally invasive teratoma surgery can one take a bath?

Minimally invasive surgery for teratomas involves laparoscopic surgery, which causes less harm to patients. After the surgery, there are only three to four small incisions on the abdominal wall, which generally heal within three to five days. If you wish to take a bath, it is usually possible to do so after one week. When bathing, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness around the incisions. It is best to apply iodine before and after bathing to disinfect the area, preventing infection at the incision sites. Additionally, during the bath, avoid rubbing the incisions too vigorously to prevent pain.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you have intercourse with a teratoma?

When a woman has a teratoma, whether intercourse is advisable depends on the size of the tumor or the woman’s clinical symptoms. For example, if the teratoma is small and usually shows no clinical symptoms, normal intercourse is possible. As the size of the teratoma increases, some women may experience symptoms such as a sensation of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen accompanied by discomfort in the back. During intercourse, the impact and change in tension could exacerbate these abdominal symptoms. Additionally, frequent changes in position during intercourse might provoke the teratoma, potentially leading to torsion and acute abdominal conditions, such as sudden lower abdominal pain. For these women, intercourse is still possible, but it is important to be gentle and slow when changing positions to avoid inducing these issues.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat ovarian teratoma

The treatment for ovarian teratoma can only be addressed through surgical methods; this type of teratoma cannot be treated effectively with medication or conservative approaches. Therefore, once an ultrasound report indicates the presence of a teratoma, it is often advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible. After the surgery, the removed tissue should be examined pathologically again to check for any malignant tendencies. The majority of teratomas are benign, with only a very small number of undifferentiated ones showing malignant potential. Hence, most teratomas require surgical treatment at a hospital. There are different surgical options for treating teratomas, including open abdominal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. If conditions allow, most people will opt for laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian teratomas.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.