What should be paid attention to usually with teratoma?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 04, 2025
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For patients with teratoma, once the teratoma is detected, it is necessary to monitor it regularly. If the tumor is larger than three centimeters, it is best to undergo surgery as soon as possible. If surgery cannot be performed promptly due to particular reasons, then it is essential to have an ultrasound re-examination every three months. Additionally, patients should avoid vigorous exercise, external impacts, and significant changes in body position in daily life. Because teratomas are mixed masses with uneven textures, they are very prone to torsion. Therefore, significant changes in body position or vigorous exercises can easily cause the torsion of the pedicle, which may lead to the need for emergency surgery.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of Teratoma

Not all teratomas show symptoms; often ovarian cysts are only discovered during physical examinations. If an examination reveals a heterogeneous mass in the adnexal region, and a teratoma is suspected from the ultrasound, a detailed assessment must be conducted first. It is important to evaluate if the teratoma has any functional issues or if it causes general health problems, considering its size among other factors. Some teratomas can be rechecked and observed over time, while others may require surgical treatment. Additionally, some teratomas might undergo torsion or rupture, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, although the likelihood of this occurring is not very high.

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Is ovarian teratoma a major surgery?

Generally, ovarian teratomas are considered major surgeries and are closely related to the nature of the teratomas. These are common major gynecological surgeries. It is recommended to visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for comprehensive examinations and a full-body assessment. Additionally, procedures such as biopsy are needed to determine the nature of the tumor, after which an appropriate treatment plan can be chosen. Options generally include open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, both of which are relatively major procedures.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is a teratoma surgically removed?

When a woman has an ovarian teratoma, treatment should be determined based on the specific age of the woman, whether the teratoma is benign or malignant, and other factors. For example, if the woman is relatively young and has a benign teratoma and wishes to preserve her fertility, she can undergo ovarian teratoma excision surgery, which can be performed either laparoscopically or through an open surgery. During the operation, the entire teratoma can be completely separated and placed in a specimen bag to prevent contamination of the woman's pelvic cavity and avoid chemical peritonitis or granuloma. If the teratoma is malignant, then it is necessary to remove the adnexa and perform a comprehensive staging surgery. After surgery, based on the results of the pathological examination, it will be decided whether additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy are needed.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is the likelihood of a teratoma being benign high?

Currently, teratomas are relatively common in clinical practice, and there is a high probability that teratomas are benign, with most teratomas being benign. The definitive diagnosis requires surgical removal of the teratoma, followed by routine pathological examination post-surgery. The nature of the teratoma, whether benign or malignant, is determined based on the pathological examination, and the results of the pathology dictate the next steps in the treatment plan. If the teratoma is malignant, further follow-up treatment is necessary.

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Is surgery necessary for ovarian teratomas?

When dealing with ovarian teratomas, whether surgery is required depends on the nature and size of the teratoma and the clinical symptoms of the patient. Not all teratomas necessarily require surgical treatment. Ovarian teratomas are germ cell tumors that occur in the ovaries. They can be classified into benign and malignant teratomas. Benign teratomas are well differentiated, and the tumor body may contain tissues such as hair and teeth. Generally, smaller teratomas can be observed periodically, but if the teratoma is larger and causes a pelvic mass lesion, surgical treatment is necessary. Malignant teratomas definitely require surgical excision and treatment.