How big a teratoma is needed for surgery?

Ovarian teratoma, as the name suggests, is a tumor that occurs in the uterus and ovaries. This type of tumor is not common in women, but if the tumor is not large enough after it is discovered, it needs to be observed first. Surgery can only be performed when the teratoma grows to a sufficient size. So how many ovarian teratomas can be treated surgically?

1. If an ovarian teratoma is found, can it be observed without treatment?

Ovarian teratoma is a common somatic tumor of the uterus and ovary that occurs most frequently in women of childbearing age. Most of them are benign primitive teratomas, and only a very small number are malignant, that is, immature teratomas. Teratomas usually grow slowly, and tumors smaller than 3 cm can usually be observed temporarily because they are very small and difficult to find during surgery. However, they must be followed up regularly, with B-ultrasound every 3-6 months. If the tumor grows larger, surgery should be performed.

2. Why does ovarian teratoma require surgery?

When a teratoma grows larger than 3*3cm, surgical treatment is recommended because the tumor itself is non-homogeneous and very easy to twist. The preferred surgical treatment is laparoscopic tumor removal, which has a relatively fast recovery rate. However, in some complicated cases, laparotomy should be chosen. The doctor will make recommendations based on each person's specific situation. Whether it is laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, intraoperative cryopathology examination should be performed.

3. Will teratoma occur?

The occurrence of ovarian teratoma generally includes the following situations: the first surgery was not done completely, leaving part of the cyst wall tissue; there are tissues from other germ layers in the uterus and ovaries, which may grow tumors again; some patients have multiple teratomas, which may be on one or both sides, and the disease is overlooked due to lack of careful exploration during surgery.

4. Are there any differences in the surgical treatment of mature teratomas and immature teratomas?

Perfect teratoma surgery is mainly based on tumor removal, and the uterus and ovaries are preserved as much as possible. Only when the tumor is very large and the uterus and ovaries are really no longer needed will they be removed. Immature teratoma is a malignant teratoma and the affected limb appendages should be removed.

5. Is it necessary to remove the uterus and ovaries of the affected limb for immature teratoma? Do you need radiotherapy or chemotherapy?

Yes, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is needed after surgery. Immature teratomas are sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and surgical treatment plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy can generally cure the disease. As long as one side has a normal uterus and ovary, you can get pregnant again after the disease is cured.

According to the detailed introduction in the article, we can understand that ovarian teratoma is a rare tumor with a relatively low degree of malignancy. If surgical treatment is required after it is discovered, it must be waited until the teratoma grows to 3*3 cm. Generally speaking, the effect after surgery is still very good.