Do teratomas hurt?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 04, 2024
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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 Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of teratoma recurrence?

If a teratoma recurs, in cases of benign teratomas, generally there are no symptoms. Symptoms only arise when the tumor grows large enough to compress the bladder and intestines, which might induce signs of bladder and rectal irritation. Additionally, a teratoma might undergo torsion due to changes in body position, causing sudden lower abdominal pain. If it is a malignant teratoma, there might not be noticeable symptoms early on. The recurrence of a teratoma can only be detected through regular monitoring with ultrasound and tumor markers; there are no better methods available.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if a teratoma recurs?

Teratoma is a type of ovarian cyst, and there is a chance of recurrence after treatment. Clinically, once the recurrence of a teratoma is suspected, it is mostly recommended that the patient undergo surgery again to remove the recurrent teratoma and conduct a postoperative pathological examination to assess whether there is a tendency for the teratoma to become malignant. Further treatment plans are formulated based on the results of the postoperative pathology. After discovering the recurrence of a teratoma, there is no need to panic excessively; it is sufficient to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Why do benign teratomas recur?

Benign teratomas, although not aggressive or metastatic, do not require adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy after curative surgery to fight the tumor. However, many benign teratomas recur after surgery and require further surgical treatment. The cause of benign teratoma recurrence is considered to be due to the persistent presence of oncogenic factors. Therefore, benign tumors can also recur, since the exact cause and pathogenesis of benign teratomas are still unclear clinically. Thus, prevention from an etiological perspective is not possible, and the only option is timely surgical removal upon tumor detection to prevent the benign teratoma from becoming malignant. For patients with benign teratomas, regular follow-up is necessary after curative surgery to monitor any changes in the condition. If signs of recurrence are detected, prompt intervention is necessary to prevent malignancy.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can one have sexual intercourse with a teratoma?

Teratoma is a type of ovarian cyst located within the abdominal cavity. Generally, the presence of a teratoma does not affect the patient's ability to have a normal sexual life. However, it is advised not to engage in overly vigorous sexual activity, as intense sexual activity can cause torsion of the ovarian cyst in the abdominal cavity. Once torsion of the ovarian teratoma occurs, it can lead to torsion of both the fallopian tube and the ovary on the affected side. Following torsion, the twisted fallopian tube and ovary lack blood supply, which can further lead to ischemia and necrosis. In such cases, it becomes necessary to surgically remove the affected fallopian tube and ovary.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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What to do about ovarian teratoma abdominal pain?

If a patient has an ovarian teratoma and also has abdominal pain, they should immediately visit a local hospital for a gynecological examination and a gynecological ultrasound. The main purpose is to confirm whether there is torsion of the ovarian teratoma. Once torsion of the ovarian teratoma occurs, it can cause ischemic necrosis of the ipsilateral fallopian tube and ovary, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, once an ovarian teratoma is detected, it is not advisable for the patient to continue observation treatment. Prompt surgery is key to avoiding pathological changes and complications.