Is the likelihood of a teratoma being benign high?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 22, 2025
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Currently, teratomas are relatively common in clinical practice, and there is a high probability that teratomas are benign, with most teratomas being benign. The definitive diagnosis requires surgical removal of the teratoma, followed by routine pathological examination post-surgery. The nature of the teratoma, whether benign or malignant, is determined based on the pathological examination, and the results of the pathology dictate the next steps in the treatment plan. If the teratoma is malignant, further follow-up treatment is necessary.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does teratoma affect fetal development?

Teratomas are not normal fetuses; they are a type of tumor originating from germ cells in the ovaries. Pregnancy will not affect the normal development of the baby, and regular prenatal check-ups at the hospital are advisable. If it is possible to surgically remove the teratoma before trying to conceive, it is best to do so. Teratomas can be benign or malignant. Benign teratomas contain various components, including skin, hair, teeth, and bones. Malignant teratomas are poorly differentiated and more prone to malignant transformations and metastasis.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do teratomas grow quickly?

Ovarian teratomas are a relatively common type of ovarian tumor and belong to germ cell tumors. Depending on the benign or malignant nature of the teratoma, their differentiation and growth rates vary, meaning they grow at different speeds. For instance, benign teratomas, also known as mature teratomas, usually grow slowly. Many women may find that, upon having a check-up every six months or a year, the size of the teratoma remains the same with no significant changes. However, some women may have malignant teratomas, or their previously mature teratomas may become malignant. In such cases, the mass may suddenly increase in size over a short period, causing abdominal pain, and sometimes the mass can be felt in the abdomen.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat teratoma?

Teratomas, for women, refer to ovarian teratomas. Once diagnosed, active surgical treatment is necessary. This is because such tumors could be malignant or may undergo torsion, thus requiring prompt treatment. Continued growth can cause destruction of the ovarian tissue, affecting ovarian function. If ovarian torsion occurs, it can lead to the necrosis of the ovary, also impacting its function. Therefore, surgical treatment is needed after diagnosis.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian teratomas hurt?

Ovarian teratomas, if without any complications, do not cause abdominal pain. Many people only discover the presence of ovarian teratomas during routine physical examinations. However, if a series of complications occur with ovarian teratomas, they can lead to abdominal pain. For example, the torsion of an ovarian teratoma, can cause the patient to feel sudden acute pain in the lower abdomen on one side. This pain is generally severe and unbearable and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

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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.