How is a teratoma diagnosed?
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.
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