Is surgery necessary for teratoma?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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Ovarian teratoma belongs to a type of germ cell tumor. Ovarian teratomas can be classified into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratoma, also known as dermoid cyst, is mostly a benign tumor. Within the cyst, components such as sebum, hair, teeth, and bone can be found. Additionally, mature teratomas have a malignant transformation risk of 2%-4% and are commonly seen in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, immature teratomas are malignant tumors, accounting for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas and more commonly found in younger patients, with the average age ranging from 11 to 19 years old. Therefore, timely surgical treatment is necessary once an ovarian teratoma is detected.

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Written by Fan Li Ping
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Chang Yue
General Surgery
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How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic teratoma surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery for teratomas generally allows those with minor and less severe symptoms to recover back to normal within about one to two weeks. However, recovery takes longer for complex teratomas, especially those that involve the removal of parts of organs. In severe cases where sections of the intestine are removed, recovery can extend to three to four weeks or more. Therefore, the specific recovery time for treating teratomas with laparoscopy must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's specific condition. Moreover, after laparoscopic surgery for teratomas, it is essential to conduct further pathological examinations. Some malignant teratomas may require additional surgeries, and maybe even include chemotherapy or other treatment measures, potentially extending the recovery period.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Why do benign teratomas recur?

Benign teratomas, although not aggressive or metastatic, do not require adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy after curative surgery to fight the tumor. However, many benign teratomas recur after surgery and require further surgical treatment. The cause of benign teratoma recurrence is considered to be due to the persistent presence of oncogenic factors. Therefore, benign tumors can also recur, since the exact cause and pathogenesis of benign teratomas are still unclear clinically. Thus, prevention from an etiological perspective is not possible, and the only option is timely surgical removal upon tumor detection to prevent the benign teratoma from becoming malignant. For patients with benign teratomas, regular follow-up is necessary after curative surgery to monitor any changes in the condition. If signs of recurrence are detected, prompt intervention is necessary to prevent malignancy.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do teratomas require a special diet?

The physical examination revealed a teratoma issue, which is generally related to congenital factors and has no relation to our regular diet. However, once a teratoma is found, it is essential to avoid eating cold and raw foods, as cold stimuli can also cause smooth muscle spasms, leading to discomfort in the abdomen. Regarding teratomas, the main consideration is the specific size of the tumor and the series conditions of the tumor. Some teratomas may undergo torsion, and others may become overly large or malignant, necessitating timely surgical intervention.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does a teratoma require surgery?

Ovarian teratomas are a type of germ cell tumor, requiring surgical treatment whether the teratoma is benign or malignant. Teratomas can be divided into mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are considered benign tumors. Immature teratomas are malignant tumors, accounting for 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas. Mature teratomas are cystic with a single chamber filled with sebum and hair, and sometimes teeth and bone material can be found inside. Therefore, once a teratoma is identified, the choice of surgical method depends on the size of the tumor, and some biochemical tests are needed to determine the nature of the cystic tumor.