Ovarian teratoma is a type of tumor that arises due to the proliferation of germ cells, which are responsible for giving rise to eggs, and can be benign or malignant, being more common in young women. Generally, this type of tumor does not cause any symptoms, however, it can cause pain or an increase in abdominal volume, which depends on its size or whether it affects structures around the ovaries.
Ovarian teratoma, when developing, can be made up of several different types of tissues, so its structure can include skin, cartilage, bones, teeth and even hair. Find out more about teratoma and its main characteristics.
This type of tumor is generally diagnosed during routine examinations, however, in the presence of symptoms of ovarian teratoma, it is important to consult a gynecologist so that an evaluation can be carried out, the type of teratoma identified, and the most appropriate treatment indicated.
Ovarian teratoma symptoms
The main symptoms of ovarian teratoma are:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the lower abdomen;
- Uterine bleeding;
- Abdominal swelling;
- Belly growth;
- Increased urinary frequency;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Weakness;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Fever.
In many cases, ovarian teratoma does not cause symptoms, and can be discovered accidentally during routine examinations. However, when the tumor grows too large, produces fluids around it, this can lead to symptoms.
Furthermore, when the tumor grows outside the ovary, it can cause the ovary to twist or even rupture the tumor, which causes intense abdominal pain, requiring immediate emergency room care.
Generally, teratoma, like other cysts on the ovary, does not cause infertility, unless it causes extensive involvement of the ovary, and in the vast majority of cases the woman can become pregnant normally.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of ovarian teratoma is made by the gynecologist through tests such as abdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound or computed tomography, for example.
In addition, you can request a measurement of alpha-fetoprotein and beta-HCG in the blood, as the levels are normally altered in the case of a teratoma and may also be indicative of malignancy.
Another test that the doctor may request is a biopsy of the teratoma, to identify whether it is benign or malignant, and thus indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Types of ovarian teratoma
The main types of ovarian teratoma are:
- Teratoma benigno: also known as mature teratoma or dermoid cyst, it is the type of teratoma that appears in most cases, and its treatment involves its removal by surgery;
- Malignant teratoma: also called immature teratoma, it is a type of cancer that can spread to other tissues in the body, and appears in around 15% of cases. Treatment involves removal of the affected ovary and chemotherapy.
Based on the evaluation of the characteristics of the teratoma, the woman’s age and the presence of symptoms, the doctor can indicate the best type of treatment with the aim of preventing complications.
Possible causes
The exact cause of ovarian teratoma is not completely known, however, it is believed that it may arise due to changes in the differentiation process of primordial germ cells during the embryonic period of pregnancy.
These germ cells are capable of differentiating to form any type of specialized cell in the body, which is why it is common for ovarian teratoma to contain hair, teeth, cartilage or bones, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for ovarian teratoma depends on the woman’s age, associated risk factors, presence of symptoms and desire to become pregnant. In cases where the teratoma is not large, does not cause symptoms, does not show signs of malignancy and does not interfere with the woman’s quality of life, the doctor may recommend that only follow-up be carried out.
However, in cases where the teratoma on the ovary is very large or causes discomfort, surgery may be indicated to remove the teratoma, preserving the ovary whenever possible. However, in some cases, it is necessary to remove the affected ovary completely, especially if there are signs of malignancy or when the ovary has been severely compromised by the tumor.
Most of the time, the surgery is performed via laparoscopy, a more practical, faster method that makes recovery faster. However, if cancer is suspected or the teratoma is very large, conventional open surgery may be necessary. Furthermore, if the presence of cancer is confirmed, the doctor may recommend chemotherapy to optimize treatment.
