Why does a teratoma have hair?

Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on November 17, 2024

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Mature teratomas contain lipids, hair, and even bone and other tissue structures within the tumor cavity. The main reason for this is that teratomas are composed of cells from multiple embryonic layers. These embryonic layer cells can develop in different directions, further developing into tissues such as hair, lipids, or bones. Therefore, during surgical procedures, it is common to find hair within the teratoma.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

37sec

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Will teratoma recur after resection?

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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General Surgery

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How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic teratoma surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery for teratomas generally allows those with minor and less severe symptoms to recover back to normal within about one to two weeks. However, recovery takes longer for complex teratomas, especially those that involve the removal of parts of organs. In severe cases where sections of the intestine are removed, recovery can extend to three to four weeks or more. Therefore, the specific recovery time for treating teratomas with laparoscopy must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's specific condition. Moreover, after laparoscopic surgery for teratomas, it is essential to conduct further pathological examinations. Some malignant teratomas may require additional surgeries, and maybe even include chemotherapy or other treatment measures, potentially extending the recovery period.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

48sec

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What to do about teratoma pain in the lower abdomen?

Patients with teratomas experiencing lower abdominal pain require immediate attention. Due to the uneven texture of the teratoma itself, it can easily lead to torsion of the ovarian tumor pedicle as a result of changes in the patient's body position. Ovarian tumor pedicle torsion is a gynecological emergency requiring urgent surgical intervention. This is particularly crucial for young women who have not yet given birth, as early surgery can preserve the affected ovary, potentially improving future fertility chances. For older women, emergency surgery to relieve symptoms is also extremely important. Therefore, abdominal pain in patients with teratomas must be taken seriously.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

50sec

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Are ovarian teratomas congenital?

Ovarian teratomas are congenital, primarily deriving from primordial germ cells. Teratomas consist of tissues from multiple embryonic layers, mostly being immature types. Most ovarian teratomas are cystic. Depending on the degree of tissue differentiation, teratomas can be classified as benign or malignant. Benign teratomas, also known as mature teratomas, are more common in women aged 20-40 and are usually unilateral and either round or ovoid in shape. A portion of these teratomas are malignant, typically found in younger patients, roughly aged 11-19 years, and this condition has a poorer prognosis, requiring timely surgical treatment.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

37sec

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Is surgery necessary for a teratoma?

Once the presence of a teratoma is considered, surgical treatment is recommended. Surgery serves two purposes: first, to remove ovarian cysts for disease treatment; and second, the removed ovarian cysts require routine postoperative pathology to confirm the diagnosis of ovarian teratoma. Without a pathological diagnosis, it cannot be definitively diagnosed as an ovarian teratoma; the diagnosis must be supported by pathological results.