Is a teratoma the same as a cyst?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 24, 2025
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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.

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Ovarian teratoma grows larger after pregnancy.

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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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How is an ovarian teratoma caused?

The majority of the causes of ovarian teratomas stem from embryonic development, generally due to congenital factors leading to the formation of ovarian teratomas. A well-developed teratoma forms a complete teratoma, while poor development results in an incomplete teratoma, which typically exhibits a higher degree of malignancy. Most teratomas are benign tumors, with only a very small percentage showing tendencies to become malignant. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with teratomas to seek surgery at a hospital as soon as possible, and post-surgery, the removed tissue should be re-examined pathologically to check for any abnormalities. Hence, patients with ovarian teratomas must actively seek medical treatment at a hospital and, after recovery, prevent recurrence by undergoing regular medical check-ups annually, thus ensuring proactive treatment for those with teratomas.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What's the matter with ovarian teratoma pain?

The causes of lower abdominal pain in women with ovarian teratomas are complex. Firstly, as the teratoma grows in size, it can, due to gravity, pull on surrounding ligaments, causing pain on one side of the lower abdomen. When the teratoma is particularly large, it can also compress nerves in the pelvis, leading to neuropathic pain. Moreover, teratomas are heterogeneously textured. If they are quite mobile and not adhering to surrounding tissues, sudden changes in body position, or an increase in uterine size during the mid-pregnancy, might shift the position of the teratoma. This can lead to torsion of the stalk, causing local ischemia and hypoxia, and resulting in acute lower abdominal pain.

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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.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can ovarian teratomas be cured?

Ovarian teratoma is a relatively common tumor disease in women, mostly benign in nature, and its development is largely associated with congenital factors. For small ovarian teratomas detected early, regular follow-up examinations are generally sufficient. However, surgery is required when necessary, such as in cases of rapid growth or when endocrine functions are involved, etc. Relying solely on medication to treat teratomas is utterly ineffective, as this type of tumor is a more solid ovarian tumor, and no medication will work.