Is surgery necessary for ovarian teratomas?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on January 27, 2025
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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.

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Written by Qu Chun Yao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is surgery necessary for ovarian teratoma?

If a color Doppler ultrasound confirms the presence of an ovarian teratoma, surgical treatment is required, as ovarian teratomas can be benign or malignant. Once diagnosed via color Doppler ultrasound, abdominal CT, MRI, or other radiological methods, surgery is necessary. Based on the surgical pathology results, if the teratoma is benign, cystectomy can be performed. If the pathology indicates malignancy, a more extensive surgical procedure and postoperative chemotherapy may be required. During this period, it is important to avoid ovarian cyst torsion and rupture to prevent the necessity of emergency surgery for acute abdomen. Ovarian teratomas cannot disappear naturally, so prompt surgical treatment is essential once diagnosed.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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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 Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of teratoma?

Ovarian teratomas can cause abdominal pain and might even result in sudden abdominal enlargement, often accompanied by symptoms like bloating. Women experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly. Ovarian teratomas are more commonly found in younger women, particularly during their reproductive years. Thus, female patients experiencing these symptoms should promptly undergo an ultrasound at a hospital to check for the presence of teratomas and also have a blood test for tumor markers. If a teratoma is present, it is recommended to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible due to the risk of malignant transformation.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
47sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do teratomas hurt?

Teratomas themselves do not cause pain, especially when they are relatively small, women often have no clinical symptoms. As the size gradually increases, the tumor pulls on the surrounding ligaments, causing abdominal discomfort, such as a feeling of abdominal heaviness, or even abdominal pain. Some women may also experience infection or adhesions with surrounding tissues, leading to abdominal pain. Additionally, some women may have malignant transformation of their teratoma, which invades surrounding tissues and nerves, possibly causing headaches. A small number of women may experience a change in the position of the teratoma after pregnancy or urination, leading to torsion, which can obstruct the blood flow to the tumor, resulting in necrosis and bleeding, causing acute abdominal pain.