Can teratomas recur?

Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on January 07, 2025

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Teratomas can recur clinically, but the recurrence rate is relatively low. There are cases of ovarian teratoma recurrence after teratoma excision surgery. For recurrent teratomas after surgery, it is still recommended to undergo surgical removal again. With an increase in the number of surgeries, the probability of teratoma recurrence gradually decreases. It is recommended that patients who have undergone teratoma surgery undergo regular follow-up examinations.

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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.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Does a teratoma require immediate surgery?

Not all teratomas require immediate surgery. If a teratoma is found to be relatively small in size, many people can have it remain stable for a long time without significant changes, therefore periodic monitoring is possible. However, if a teratoma shows a rapid increase in size, or if it is already very large with the potential for torsion, or if there is a possibility of rupture or malignant transformation, or if the teratoma has endocrine activity, then immediate surgery may be necessary.

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Written by Fan Li Ping

Obstetrics and Gynecology

52sec

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Can ovarian teratomas become cancerous?

Most ovarian teratomas are a type of benign tumor on the ovaries, but a few may become malignant. Therefore, if an ultrasound suggests an ovarian teratoma and it is relatively small, around two to three centimeters, without any symptoms, we can temporarily observe it. However, the condition is that we should test for tumor markers, such as checking if there are significant increases in CA-125 or AFP, to see if there's a tendency for malignancy. Another condition is that regular follow-up examinations are essential. If there's a sudden increase in size in a short period or a continuous growth, it is advisable to consider surgical treatment, as early surgical intervention tends to have better outcomes.

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Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

37sec

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Is teratoma related to HPV?

Teratomas are not related to HPV. Teratomas grow on the ovaries, while HPV infections occur in the cervix or vaginal area, so the locations of these two diseases are different. There are benign teratomas and immature teratomas, which must be surgically removed after detection. Most women will be infected with the HPV virus at some point in their lives, and the majority will clear the virus within two years through their immune system, so there is no need to be overly concerned about HPV infections, just regular follow-ups are sufficient.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

54sec

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How long after laparoscopic surgery for a teratoma can one have sexual intercourse?

Teratomas are predominantly benign tumors, mainly located in the ovaries, although in some patients with unique physical constitutions, ovarian tissues may also ectopically end up in the pelvic area, forming a pelvic teratoma. Whether it is an ovarian teratoma or a pelvic teratoma, the scope of the surgery is typically medium-sized. If the surgery is an open operation, it is classified as a second-level surgery, and if it is performed using laparoscopy, it should be classified as a third-level surgery. Both second and third-level surgeries fall under the medium-sized category, and patients usually recover quite quickly after the operation. Typically, we advise patients to refrain from sexual intercourse, pelvic baths, and to avoid heavy physical labor within a month post-operation.