Will teratoma recur after resection?

Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on November 21, 2024

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Teratomas in ovarian cysts are a type that can recur after surgery. After surgery, teratomas require close monitoring, and if recurrence occurs, reoperation for removal is necessary. Therefore, regular gynecological ultrasound post-surgery is key to confirm whether the teratoma has recurred. It is recommended that patients undergo regular gynecological ultrasound examinations at their local hospital after surgery, and if a recurrence of the teratoma occurs, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

53sec

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Can a teratoma be detected by ultrasound?

Teratomas are a common type of solid tumor in the ovaries, and the vast majority of ovarian teratomas are benign. The most common method to examine teratomas in women is to perform an ultrasound. Generally, an abdominal ultrasound can be done 3-7 days after the menstrual cycle has ended to observe the ultrasonic echo of both ovaries. Normally, both ovaries are uniform in size and echo. If the ultrasound suggests the presence of a substantive mass on the ovary, which has a strong echo, or indicates the presence of fat or bone echoes, then this condition is highly suspected to be a teratoma. For ovarian teratomas, if the size is relatively small and there are no clinical symptoms, temporary observation is possible. However, if it is larger than five centimeters, laparoscopic removal is generally recommended.

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Written by Zhao Xiao Dong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

48sec

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Will the teratoma recur after the ovary is removed?

For teratomas, ovarian tumor excision surgery is generally chosen. If the teratoma is too large, and the remaining ovarian tissue is insufficient, there is no need to preserve the ovary, or if the teratoma has severe torsion causing ovarian tissue necrosis, an oophorectomy is necessary. After the oophorectomy, recurrence on the same side is generally not observed, but there is sometimes a possibility of recurrence on the opposite side, though the likelihood of recurrence is very low. Generally, if one ovary is removed due to a teratoma, the recurrence rate on the opposite side is usually less than 10%. Treatment of teratomas is generally surgical, and if not treated timely, complications such as torsion may occur.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

44sec

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How long after ovarian teratoma surgery can one become pregnant?

When suffering from ovarian teratomas, it is necessary to undergo surgical removal as soon as possible. For women with fertility needs, it is generally possible to plan for pregnancy three months after the surgery. Ovarian teratomas are mostly benign, and the body can usually recover quickly after the surgery, approximately 2-3 months later, at which point the ovaries generally resume normal ovulatory function. It is recommended that women undergo regular follow-ups at the hospital after the surgical removal, as there is a possibility of recurrence of teratomas. Moreover, it is advisable to schedule intercourse based on the ovulation status.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming

Obstetrics and Gynecology

38sec

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How is a teratoma diagnosed?

Teratomas are mostly diagnosed through symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bloating, and are identified with an ultrasound examination. Generally, these two tests are used. Additionally, blood tests may be conducted, but there are no very specific tumor markers that will be revealed. The primary means of diagnosis still rely on ultrasound and gynecological palpation. If a woman of childbearing age experiences unexplained abdominal pain, feels bloated, or notices occasional increases in abdomen size, it is recommended to undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination at a hospital.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

51sec

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Can ovarian teratomas be treated with Chinese medicine?

Ovarian teratomas cannot be treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Firstly, ovarian teratomas are categorized as germ cell tumors and are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors. The cysts may contain hair, teeth, and some bony material. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors that make up 1% to 3% of ovarian teratomas and are more common in younger patients aged 11 to 19 years. Therefore, once an ovarian teratoma is suspected, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital for further examinations to determine the nature of the cyst, and then, based on the examination results, appropriately handle it with timely surgical intervention.