Teratoma: The "ever-changing big shot" in the tumor world

Last time, we talked about Little A in the article "How can one get pregnant before getting married?" After the laparoscopic surgery to remove the ovarian teratoma, she recovered well and was discharged from the hospital 5 days later. However, after being discharged, Little A's mother talked about the whole medical process and still felt like she had a dream, especially the fact that she saw the specimen during the operation, which made her confused for a long time.

It is well known that when a doctor removes any tissue during surgery, he or she will give the removed tissue to the family for confirmation.

In general gynecology, the most common cases are uterine fibroids, and the family members' responses are mostly:

Hiss~ It's so big? Doctor, is our family okay?

or:

Hiss~ So many? Doctor, are our family members okay?

But if the tissue taken out is teratoma, the situation will be a little different, mainly because there will suddenly be a little more suspicion between the doctor and the patient...

for example...

Doctor, you must be mistaken. You said it's a disease on the ovary. Why is there hair here? And scalp? And teeth? This small section is bone, right?

Or...

What kind of surgery are we doing in there? Are the conditions in your operating room bad? They are all unsanitary!

It is a bit too much to doubt the hygiene of a regular hospital with surgical qualifications... Hats are required in the cafeteria, not to mention the operating room...

So what exactly are these objects that resemble human tissue?

Don't worry, I'll give you a serious answer! Read the following carefully~

"The Great Variety" - Teratoma

How can a surgeon get a piece of hair, a bit of scalp, pull out a tooth, or even cut a piece of bone, and then give it to the family and tell them that this is what was taken out of their family member's surgery?

Yes, but it is not necessary (and actually not possible).

Believe it or not, teratomas are so magical that they can grow anything you can grow.

Not only the scalp, hair, teeth, and bones, but also various tissues with actual functions, such as the thyroid tissue that grows out, may have symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Teratomas are mostly benign, and a few are malignant, but the better differentiated they are and the clearer they look, the more benign they are. So it's okay if it's disgusting, after all, there's nothing serious wrong with it except the disgusting feeling.

Therefore, science is needed everywhere in life so that everyone can live clearly.

Some pictures are from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete them.

Author: Yu Zhen, Wang Ying, Liu Zhou, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health and Medical College

About the Author

Liuzhou

Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor of Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Hainan Medical College.

Engaged in clinical, teaching and scientific research work in obstetrics and gynecology for 28 years. Professional research direction: gynecological tumors, gynecological minimally invasive techniques and conservative surgery for adenomyosis, and rescue of critical obstetric emergencies.

Clinic hours: Monday afternoon, Thursday morning.

About the Author

Wang Ying

Deputy Chief Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Health Medical College. Has been engaged in obstetrics and gynecology for 20 years and has been working in the front line of obstetrics and gynecology for a long time.

In the past 20 years of work experience, I have systematically and comprehensively mastered the diagnosis and treatment principles and measures of common, frequently occurring and difficult and complicated diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. I have accumulated rich clinical experience and advocated the patient-centered working principle in the diagnosis and treatment process. I have good professional ethics and dedication.

Clinic hours: Saturday morning.

Funded by Shanghai Science and Technology Commission's Science Popularization Project

(Project No.: 20DZ2311100)