Is ovarian teratoma cancer?

Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 05, 2025
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Ovarian teratomas are divided into benign and malignant types. If the teratoma is malignant, then it is a type of cancer. If it is benign, it is not cancer; it is just a tumor. The malignancy of a tumor is not as high as that of cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to determine its pathological type. After removing the teratoma, it should be sent to the pathology department for examination to clearly determine whether it is benign or malignant. For benign teratomas, postoperative follow-up observation is sufficient. However, if the teratoma is malignant, the scope of the surgery should be conducted according to the protocols for ovarian cancer, and chemotherapy is required after surgery.

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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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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can ovarian teratomas be cured?

Ovarian teratoma is a relatively common tumor disease in women, mostly benign in nature, and its development is largely associated with congenital factors. For small ovarian teratomas detected early, regular follow-up examinations are generally sufficient. However, surgery is required when necessary, such as in cases of rapid growth or when endocrine functions are involved, etc. Relying solely on medication to treat teratomas is utterly ineffective, as this type of tumor is a more solid ovarian tumor, and no medication will work.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will a teratoma regrow if it is removed?

After surgery for ovarian teratoma, whether it can regrow is uncertain, because ovarian tissue can potentially develop such tumors. Ovarian teratomas can be benign or malignant. The recurrence rate of benign teratomas is very low after surgery, but there is still a possibility of regrowth. However, for malignant teratomas, also known as immature teratomas, surgery involves removing the affected ovary. The opposite ovary can be preserved if it is normal, depending on the patient's age, but regular follow-ups are necessary. If the patient is older, an extensive surgery for teratoma, which includes the removal of both the uterus and ovaries, might be required.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ovarian teratoma is what?

Ovarian teratoma, which is one of several types of ovarian cysts, is mostly benign. However, in clinical practice, there is a possibility for some ovarian teratomas to become malignant. Therefore, it is recommended that if ovarian teratoma is suspected, immediate examinations should be conducted at local hospitals to assess the condition. If necessary, it is advised that patients with ovarian teratoma undergo surgical removal of the tumor in the hospital.