Ovarian teratoma grows larger after pregnancy.

Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

Updated on March 26, 2025

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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

46sec

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Does a teratoma that is too large affect fertility?

Ovarian teratoma is a type of commonly seen benign ovarian tumor. Even though it is benign, like in the case of teratomas, it can still potentially affect a woman's fertility. The critical factors are the location and the size of the ovarian tumor. If the tumor originates from the center of the ovary, it is likely to cause significant damage to the ovarian tissue. Additionally, if the tumor is large, it can also cause substantial damage to the normal tissue. These factors can impact a woman’s fertility, leading to a decline or even complete loss of reproductive function. Whether fertility is retained depends on the function of the ovary on the other side.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

54sec

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Do teratomas hurt?

Teratomas themselves do not cause pain, especially when they are relatively small, women often have no clinical symptoms. As the size gradually increases, the tumor pulls on the surrounding ligaments, causing abdominal discomfort, such as a feeling of abdominal heaviness, or even abdominal pain. Some women may also experience infection or adhesions with surrounding tissues, leading to abdominal pain. Additionally, some women may have malignant transformation of their teratoma, which invades surrounding tissues and nerves, possibly causing headaches. A small number of women may experience a change in the position of the teratoma after pregnancy or urination, leading to torsion, which can obstruct the blood flow to the tumor, resulting in necrosis and bleeding, causing acute abdominal pain.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

39sec

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Does teratoma affect the fetus?

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 Gao Tian

General Surgery

36sec

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Is ovarian teratoma a major surgery?

Generally, ovarian teratomas are considered major surgeries and are closely related to the nature of the teratomas. These are common major gynecological surgeries. It is recommended to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for comprehensive examinations and a full-body assessment. Additionally, procedures such as biopsy are needed to determine the nature of the tumor, after which an appropriate treatment plan can be chosen. Options generally include open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, both of which are relatively major procedures.

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Written by Li Chang Yue

General Surgery

54sec

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How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic teratoma surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery for teratomas generally allows those with minor and less severe symptoms to recover back to normal within about one to two weeks. However, recovery takes longer for complex teratomas, especially those that involve the removal of parts of organs. In severe cases where sections of the intestine are removed, recovery can extend to three to four weeks or more. Therefore, the specific recovery time for treating teratomas with laparoscopy must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's specific condition. Moreover, after laparoscopic surgery for teratomas, it is essential to conduct further pathological examinations. Some malignant teratomas may require additional surgeries, and maybe even include chemotherapy or other treatment measures, potentially extending the recovery period.