The difference between ovarian teratoma and cysts

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 22, 2025
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Ovarian teratomas are a type of ovarian cyst, and clinically, ovarian teratomas are not differentiated from ovarian cysts. Because ovarian teratomas and ovarian cysts are not diseases of the same category; teratomas are one type among the various classifications of ovarian cysts. Therefore, there is no difference between ovarian teratomas and ovarian cysts, and clinically, they may refer to the same category of disease.

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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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How to treat ovarian teratoma

The treatment for ovarian teratoma can only be addressed through surgical methods; this type of teratoma cannot be treated effectively with medication or conservative approaches. Therefore, once an ultrasound report indicates the presence of a teratoma, it is often advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible. After the surgery, the removed tissue should be examined pathologically again to check for any malignant tendencies. The majority of teratomas are benign, with only a very small number of undifferentiated ones showing malignant potential. Hence, most teratomas require surgical treatment at a hospital. There are different surgical options for treating teratomas, including open abdominal surgery and minimally invasive surgery. If conditions allow, most people will opt for laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian teratomas.

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Ovarian teratoma grows during pregnancy

Will ovarian dermoid cysts grow larger after pregnancy? According to clinical experience, there is no correlation between ovarian dermoid cysts and pregnancy status. If there was a dermoid cyst before pregnancy, it is sufficient to monitor its changes during pregnancy check-ups. Generally, ovarian dermoid cysts do not grow larger after pregnancy. However, it is important to note that ovarian dermoid cysts are prone to torsion and rupture. Therefore, patients with ovarian dermoid cysts should be attentive to any abdominal pain during pregnancy. If there is no abdominal pain, generally there should not be a major issue.

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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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Is the recurrence of ovarian teratoma serious?

If there is a recurrence after undergoing ovarian teratoma surgery, it is considered serious. In such cases, it should be considered that the ovarian teratoma might be malignant, and malignant teratomas can potentially metastasize. Therefore, it is recommended that women, after having ovarian teratoma surgery, should actively pursue further radiotherapy and chemotherapy based on the nature of the teratoma, to control the cancer cells. In daily life, it is advisable to eat a light diet, consume various fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid cold, spicy, and irritating foods. Moderate exercise should be performed to enhance physical condition and maintain a cheerful mood, all of which can help alleviate the condition.