Can a teratoma disappear with medication?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 17, 2025
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Ovarian teratomas cannot be treated with medication. Ovarian teratomas are the most common type of germ cell tumor and are categorized into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are mostly benign tumors. These cysts generally have a single chamber filled with sebum and hair, and sometimes teeth and bone material can also be found inside. On the other hand, immature teratomas are malignant tumors, making up 1%-3% of ovarian teratomas, commonly seen in younger patients with an average age between 11 and 19 years. Thus, it is crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation upon detection of an ovarian teratoma to determine the size of the cyst and, if necessary, pursue surgical treatment, as medication will not resolve the issue.

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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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Will a teratoma disappear with Chinese herbal medicine?

Teratoma is a common type of ovarian cyst. Clinically, teratomas will not disappear by taking traditional Chinese medicine. Generally, it is recommended that if a patient suspects a teratoma, they should immediately seek medical attention at a local hospital, undergo gynecological examinations, gynecological ultrasound, and other relevant tests, and hospitalization for surgical treatment if necessary. The primary purpose of the surgery is to completely remove the ovarian teratoma. Secondly, the removed ovarian teratoma should be subjected to further pathological examination to confirm whether it is an ovarian teratoma.

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Can one have sexual intercourse with a teratoma?

Teratoma is a type of ovarian cyst located within the abdominal cavity. Generally, the presence of a teratoma does not affect the patient's ability to have a normal sexual life. However, it is advised not to engage in overly vigorous sexual activity, as intense sexual activity can cause torsion of the ovarian cyst in the abdominal cavity. Once torsion of the ovarian teratoma occurs, it can lead to torsion of both the fallopian tube and the ovary on the affected side. Following torsion, the twisted fallopian tube and ovary lack blood supply, which can further lead to ischemia and necrosis. In such cases, it becomes necessary to surgically remove the affected fallopian tube and ovary.

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What is the cause of the pain from a teratoma?

Female teratomas are cystic-solid tumors located on the ovaries. When they are small in size, they generally do not cause pain. However, as they grow larger, due to gravitational pull, they stretch the surrounding ligaments, causing women to experience hidden pain on one side of the lower abdomen. This pain is bearable and only intensifies after vigorous activities or intercourse. Some women may experience increased pain if they have a pelvic infection or during menstruation. Because teratomas are uneven in texture, if they are not adherent to surrounding structures and are relatively mobile, and their stalk is thinner, they might twist under certain circumstances, such as rolling over, spinning hula hoops, or during pregnancy, when the uterus grows and changes the position of the teratoma, leading to acute lower abdominal pain from torsion of the teratoma’s stalk. Therefore, when a woman experiences abdominal pain from a teratoma, it is essential to conduct a gynecological examination and pelvic ultrasound to understand the specific cause of the pain.

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What is a teratoma?

Teratoma is the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumor. The majority of these tumors are mature cystic tumors, while a minority are immature solid ones. Mature teratomas are also known as dermoid cysts, are mostly benign, and can occur at any age, mostly between 20-40 years old, often presenting unilaterally. Immature teratomas are malignant tumors, more commonly found in younger patients, and these tumors are usually solid and bilateral. The primary treatment method is surgical, with post-surgery pathology determining the benign or malignant nature of the tumor and guiding subsequent treatment decisions.