Does teratoma require a blood test?

Written by Sun Shan Shan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on June 22, 2025

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Ovarian teratomas are ovarian germ cell tumors, divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign ovarian tumors. Immature teratomas belong to malignant tumors. Before surgery for ovarian teratomas, further blood tests are required, including tumor marker tests. This includes serum CA125 tests; if the level of serum CA125 is elevated, it may indicate a malignant tumor. Other tests include serum AFP, serum HCG, sex hormone tests, and serum HE4 tests, among others. The nature of the cyst needs to be determined based on blood tests and combined pelvic CT scans. Once an ovarian teratoma is diagnosed, timely surgical treatment is necessary.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

47sec

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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 10sec

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Does teratoma affect menstruation?

Teratoma, under normal circumstances, does not affect menstruation, but it does affect fertility. If it is confirmed that one side has a teratoma, surgery is generally required. After treatment, the ovary on that side is typically removed. Once removed, that ovary will no longer ovulate, and ovulation must occur from the other ovary. The maintenance of hormone levels in the body needs to be supported by the other ovary. If the function of the other ovary is normal, menstruation will continue to occur normally; it will not affect menstruation. However, if after the removal of the teratoma, one ovary is removed, the chance of conception is reduced by half compared to others. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with teratoma to undergo surgery as early as possible. After the surgery, if the pathology shows no issues and if it is a simple teratoma removal, it does not affect menstruation.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

51sec

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What department should I go to for a teratoma?

Teratomas are not considered complex and difficult diseases; you can just register for a regular gynecology appointment. Then, related examinations such as ultrasound scans are necessary to assess aspects like the size and echoes of the teratoma, the presence of ascites in the pelvic cavity, whether there are adhesions nearby, and the clarity of the boundaries. Corresponding gynecological examinations are also required, as well as checking for symptoms such as compression of adjacent tissues and the presence of significant abdominal pain. Generally, teratomas around five centimeters in size may experience torsion of the pedicle, so laparoscopic surgery might be necessary when required.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

44sec

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Will a teratoma disappear with Chinese herbal medicine?

Teratoma is a common type of ovarian cyst. Clinically, teratomas will not disappear by taking traditional Chinese medicine. Generally, it is recommended that if a patient suspects a teratoma, they should immediately seek medical attention at a local hospital, undergo gynecological examinations, gynecological ultrasound, and other relevant tests, and hospitalization for surgical treatment if necessary. The primary purpose of the surgery is to completely remove the ovarian teratoma. Secondly, the removed ovarian teratoma should be subjected to further pathological examination to confirm whether it is an ovarian teratoma.

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Written by Tao Zhong E

Obstetrics and Gynecology

46sec

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Does a teratoma hurt?

Ovarian tumors can be of many types, including serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenomas, chocolate cysts, or teratomas. Most patients with teratomas have no obvious symptoms, especially when the teratoma is less than 5cm in size. Most are discovered incidentally during physical examinations and are often asymptomatic. However, teratomas measuring 5-6cm can easily undergo torsion within the abdominal cavity. Torsion may lead to acute abdominal pain, although typically, there are no symptoms of abdominal pain. Thus, annual physical examinations can help detect tumors on the ovaries or uterus.