How to treat ovarian teratoma

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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 Shen Li Wen
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How to Determine if a Teratoma is Benign

Teratomas in women are classified into benign and malignant categories. Benign teratomas typically have a complete capsule and grow very slowly. Some women find that the size of the teratoma does not change significantly during follow-up exams. Malignant teratomas, however, grow quickly and can present severe clinical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and pelvic masses, with some women also experiencing fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, blood tests for gynecological tumor markers can also be used for differentiation. For example, in malignant tumors, markers such as CA-125, CA-199, and alpha-fetoprotein are elevated to varying degrees, particularly alpha-fetoprotein. During a CT scan, malignant teratomas may show unclear borders, potentially indicating invasion into the surrounding tissues. Additionally, after surgical removal of the tumor, pathological histological examination can be conducted for further differentiation. For instance, malignant teratomas tend to have a higher proportion of immature components.

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Written by Li Lin
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Can ovarian teratomas become cancerous?

Ovarian teratomas are mostly benign tumors, and it is usually sufficient to undergo tumor excision or unilateral oophorectomy. However, ovarian teratomas can become malignant, and in such cases, corresponding chemotherapy treatment should be used after surgery based on the condition. Even after chemotherapy, malignant teratomas may recur. If the malignant teratoma recurs, further surgeries can be performed. Each surgery can reduce the malignancy of the teratoma, so surgery combined with chemotherapy is very effective for the treatment of malignant teratomas.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
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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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How is a teratoma diagnosed?

Teratomas are mostly diagnosed through symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bloating, and are identified with an ultrasound examination. Generally, these two tests are used. Additionally, blood tests may be conducted, but there are no very specific tumor markers that will be revealed. The primary means of diagnosis still rely on ultrasound and gynecological palpation. If a woman of childbearing age experiences unexplained abdominal pain, feels bloated, or notices occasional increases in abdomen size, it is recommended to undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination at a hospital.

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What department should I go to for a teratoma?

Teratomas are not considered complex and difficult diseases; you can just register for a regular gynecology appointment. Then, related examinations such as ultrasound scans are necessary to assess aspects like the size and echoes of the teratoma, the presence of ascites in the pelvic cavity, whether there are adhesions nearby, and the clarity of the boundaries. Corresponding gynecological examinations are also required, as well as checking for symptoms such as compression of adjacent tissues and the presence of significant abdominal pain. Generally, teratomas around five centimeters in size may experience torsion of the pedicle, so laparoscopic surgery might be necessary when required.