Is the chance of recurrence high after teratoma surgery?

The recurrence rate after teratoma surgery is associated with postoperative care, the benign or malignant nature of the tumor, surgical approach, and other factors.

1. Postoperative Care

If proper postoperative care is not provided and endocrine disorders occur, this may lead to recurrence. It is important to strengthen postoperative management and maintain a light diet.

2. Benign or Malignant Nature of the Tumor

Teratomas are one of the more common tumors in the female reproductive system and generally present in two forms: mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas are benign; after surgical removal or unilateral oophorectomy, recurrence is uncommon. Immature teratomas are typically malignant but can often transform into benign tumors. Even after unilateral oophorectomy, the recurrence rate for immature teratomas remains relatively low.

3. Surgical Approach

In terms of surgical method, benign teratomas are usually treated by ovarian cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy on the affected side. During cyst removal, if lesions are very small, they may be missed, leading to recurrence. For benign, solitary ovarian teratomas, the recurrence rate is generally low. However, for multiple or malignant tumors, the recurrence rate is significantly higher. If the initial treatment response is good, late-stage disease may still involve metastasis to other organs, increasing the likelihood of recurrence. Therefore, for advanced-stage malignant teratomas, adjuvant chemotherapy under medical guidance after surgery is recommended to prevent recurrence.

In addition, the postoperative recurrence rate may also be related to tumor progression. Patients diagnosed with teratomas should undergo regular follow-up examinations after surgery to monitor for possible recurrence. It is also advisable to develop healthy lifestyle habits, enhance immune function, and maintain overall physical well-being.