How is a teratoma diagnosed?

Written by Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

Teratomas mostly occur on the ovaries. Ovarian tumors generally do not show symptoms in their early stages or when they are small. They are usually discovered during physical examinations, and identified through ultrasound, which will indicate a cystic mass or a cystic-solid mass on the ovaries. Subsequently, serum tumor markers are tested to see if there is an increase. Some patients with teratomas may show a slight increase in alpha-fetoprotein. Further diagnostic steps include a pelvic MRI, which can very clearly display the nature of the tumor and some of the components within the tumor. The most common findings in teratomas include elements like hair and bones. Ultimately, a definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
53sec home-news-image

The difference between ovarian teratoma and cysts

Ovarian teratomas and ovarian cysts are two completely different diseases. Ovarian teratomas are caused by congenital factors and are tumors of the germ cells that can be benign or malignant, usually requiring surgical removal for treatment. Ovarian cysts, on the other hand, are caused by various factors in women, such as poor lifestyle habits or an imperfect diet structure, leading to a hormonal disease. Ovarian cysts can be physiological or pathological. Usually, physiological ovarian cysts gradually disappear with the menstrual cycle, while pathological ovarian cysts can also be benign or malignant. The need for surgical treatment depends on the nature, size, and clinical symptoms of the ovarian cyst.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
40sec home-news-image

Do ovarian teratomas hurt?

Ovarian teratomas do not cause abdominal pain under normal conditions. However, if a patient engages in vigorous activities, it can lead to a torsion of the ovarian teratoma. The torsion of the teratoma can drag the ovary to twist along with it, consequently affecting the blood supply to the adnexa on the affected side, leading to ischemic necrosis of the adnexa, and thus causing a sudden onset of severe lower abdominal pain on one side. In such abnormal situations, the ovarian teratoma can indeed cause lower abdominal pain.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
37sec home-news-image

Can a teratoma be treated with hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is an effective method for the examination and treatment of diseases within the uterine cavity, performed by entering through the vagina and cervix. However, teratomas are tumors commonly located in both ovaries, and since hysteroscopy cannot access the abdominal cavity, it is not possible to perform teratoma surgery with hysteroscopy. If teratomas are found in both ovaries, it is necessary to choose laparoscopy to remove the tumors within the abdominal cavity, rather than using hysteroscopy for treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
55sec home-news-image

Can teratoma be treated with medication?

Teratomas are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors, commonly found in individuals aged 20-40, usually unilaterally. The contents of the cyst typically include substances like sebum, hair, and teeth. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors, though less common. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis. Surgical treatment is generally recommended for teratomas, while medical treatment is not advised. Less frequently, laparoscopic surgery can be used for certain teratomas. If a teratoma is suspected to be malignant preoperatively, exploratory laparotomy is often performed. Postoperative outcomes are generally better for benign mature teratomas. In cases of malignant teratomas, chemotherapy may be required after surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Are teratomas mostly benign?

Ovarian teratomas belong to the category of germ cell tumors, which are divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Immature teratomas are malignant and account for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas, thus they occur relatively less frequently. These are more commonly found in young patients, with an average age of 11-19 years. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign and can account for 10%-20% of ovarian tumors and 85%-97% of germ cell tumors, comprising over 95% of ovarian teratomas. These can occur at any age, but are most common between 20-40 years, often unilateral, and may contain components such as fats, hair, and sometimes teeth and bone tissues. Thus, the majority of mature teratomas are benign tumors.