Teratoma is a type of tumor that is caused by the proliferation of germ cells, which are cells present only in the ovaries and testes, responsible for reproduction and capable of giving birth to any tissue in the body.
Thus, it is common for teratomas to appear in the ovary, being more common in young women Ovarian teratoma may not cause any symptoms, but it can also cause pain or increased abdominal volume, depending on its size or if it affects structures. around the ovaries.
Ovarian teratoma can be differentiated into
During its development, a teratoma forms a tumor composed of several different types of tissue, so its structure may contain skin, cartilage, bones, teeth and even hair, to better understand how a teratoma forms and its characteristics.
In many cases, ovarian teratoma causes no symptoms and may be discovered accidentally during routine exams. When symptoms appear, abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the lower abdomen, most commonly,
Other signs that may appear are uterine bleeding or belly growth, usually when the tumor grows a lot or produces fluids around it. When the teratoma develops too far from the ovary, twisting or even rupture of the tumor can occur, causing serious abdominal injuries. requires emergency assistance for evaluation.
In general, teratoma, like other ovarian cysts, does not cause infertility unless it causes extensive ovarian damage and, in most cases, the woman may become pregnant normally. Learn more about the types of ovarian cysts and symptoms they can cause.
To confirm ovarian teratoma, your gynecologist may order tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound, or CT scan, for example.
Although imaging tests show signs of the type of tumor, confirmation of its benign or malignant nature is performed after a laboratory analysis of your tissues.
The main form of treatment of teratoma is the removal of the tumor, preserving the ovary to the maximum; however, in some cases, the affected ovary needs to be completely removed, especially if there are signs of malignancy or when the ovary has been severely affected. compromised by the tumor.
Most of the time, surgery is performed by laparoscopy, a more convenient and faster method that accelerates recovery; However, if cancer is suspected and teratoma is very important, conventional open surgery may be necessary.
Also, if cancer is confirmed, the doctor may order chemotherapy to optimize treatment. Find out how ovarian cancer is treated.