What should I do if a teratoma recurs?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 24, 2024
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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 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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian teratomas hurt?

Ovarian teratomas do not cause abdominal pain under normal conditions. However, if a patient engages in vigorous activities, it can lead to a torsion of the ovarian teratoma. The torsion of the teratoma can drag the ovary to twist along with it, consequently affecting the blood supply to the adnexa on the affected side, leading to ischemic necrosis of the adnexa, and thus causing a sudden onset of severe lower abdominal pain on one side. In such abnormal situations, the ovarian teratoma can indeed cause lower abdominal pain.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are teratomas mostly benign?

Ovarian teratomas belong to the category of germ cell tumors, which are divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Immature teratomas are malignant and account for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas, thus they occur relatively less frequently. These are more commonly found in young patients, with an average age of 11-19 years. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign and can account for 10%-20% of ovarian tumors and 85%-97% of germ cell tumors, comprising over 95% of ovarian teratomas. These can occur at any age, but are most common between 20-40 years, often unilateral, and may contain components such as fats, hair, and sometimes teeth and bone tissues. Thus, the majority of mature teratomas are benign tumors.

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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 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.