What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

• Benign Ovarian Teratoma
• Germ Cell Tumor of Ovary - Benign Teratoma
• Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor - Benign Teratoma

What is Benign Teratoma of Ovary? (Condition/background Information)

• A teratoma of ovary is a common germ cell tumor of the ovary. The most common sites of origin of a teratoma include the gonads (testis in males and ovary in females)
• There are 2 main forms of ovarian teratomas:
  • Mature teratoma of ovary
  • Immature teratoma of ovary
• Teratoma of ovary may be cancerous or benign. A majority of benign teratomas are mature teratomas, while a majority of malignant teratomas are immature teratomas
• Teratoma of ovary is typically seen in childhood and young adulthood. The cause of formation of Benign Teratoma of Ovary is unknown. Also, presently, the risk factors for the same are not well-established
• The tumors may grow to large sizes and cause obstructive signs and symptoms. The presenting signs and symptoms of Benign Teratoma of Ovary may include presence of an abdominal mass, pain and discomfort in the abdomen, and urination difficulties
• The treatment of Benign Teratoma of Ovary involves surgery to remove the tumors. In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Benign Ovarian Teratoma is excellent with adequate treatment

Who gets Benign Teratoma of Ovary? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Benign Teratoma of Ovary is mostly observed in females below the age of 30 years. These tumors are often seen in young adolescent girls and women
• No specific racial or ethnic group predilection is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Benign Teratoma of Ovary? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no definite risk factors have been identified for Benign Teratoma of Ovary

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Benign Teratoma of Ovary? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Benign Teratoma of Ovary is generally unknown. It is believed that abnormal differentiation of germ cells gives rise to the formation of this tumor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Teratoma of Ovary?

The signs and symptoms of Benign Teratoma of Ovary may include the following:

• Presence of a well-circumscribed tumor in the ovary
• Generally, only one ovary is affected; but, in some cases, involvement of both ovaries may be seen (bilateral teratoma)
• The tumors may range in size from a few cm to nearly 12 cm
• Large tumors (size over 4 cm) can compress the surrounding structures or organs and give the sensation of an abdominal mass
• Abdominal pain from large-sized ovarian tumors
• Abdominal discomfort, heaviness, and tenderness (especially at the iliac fossa, which is an area near to the hip bone)
• Pelvic discomfort and pain; lower back pain
• Frequent urination due to compression/pressure of the tumor

How is Benign Teratoma of Ovary Diagnosed?

There are a variety of tests the healthcare provider may employ to diagnose Benign Teratoma of Ovary, which may include:

• Physical examination and complete medical history screening
• Assessment of the symptoms observed
• Blood tests for various markers
• Alpha fetoprotein blood test
• Ultrasound scan of the pelvis: It is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images
• Transvaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound is inserted into the vagina and the mass is examined using sound waves
• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan: It is a non-invasive procedure that provides more details of soft tissues, blood vessels, and internal organs
• Pelvic MRI scan: It is a non-invasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field to produce images of soft tissues, bones, organs, and all other internal structures of the abdomen and pelvis
• Hysteroscopy: This procedure involves placing a probe through the cervix to examine the cavity of the uterus

Invasive diagnostic procedures such as:

• Laparoscopy: A special device is inserted through a small hole into the abdomen, to visually examine it. If necessary, a tissue sample is obtained for further analysis. Exploration of the abdomen using a laparoscope is called ‘exploratory laparoscopy’
• Laparotomy: The abdomen is opened through an incision for examination, and if required, a biopsy sample obtained. Exploration of the abdomen using laparotomy procedure is called ‘exploratory laparotomy’

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Core biopsy of the tumor
• Open biopsy of the tumor

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• The tumors may have varying proportions of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and fat cells, when examined by a pathologist under a microscope
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

A differential diagnosis to eliminate other tumor types may be necessary prior to establishing a definite diagnosis. The following tumors may be excluded:

• Hemorrhagic ovarian cyst
• Endometrioma

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Benign Teratoma of Ovary?

The complications of Benign Teratoma of Ovary may include the following:

• Stress and anxiety due to fear of cancer of the ovary
• Large tumor masses may get secondarily infected with bacteria or fungus
• Tumor rupture and torsion:
  • Rupture of tumor can cause peritonitis
  • Usually, larger tumors are more prone for torsion
  • Ovarian torsion can result in acute abdominal pain and a surgical emergency
• Some immature teratomas are known to rupture and cause associated complications
• Recurrence of the tumor following its incomplete surgical removal: Immature forms are more often likely to recur than mature forms
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Benign Teratoma of Ovary Treated?

The treatment of Benign Teratoma of Ovary may involve the following:

• Generally, the treatment of choice is complete surgical excision for all teratomas (mature or immature). The following surgical procedures may be considered:
  • Operative laparoscopy
  • Cystectomy or surgical removal of the ovarian cyst
  • Oophorectomy or removal of the affected ovary
  • Ovarian tissue sparing techniques
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Benign Teratoma of Ovary be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the development of Benign Teratoma of Ovary.

What is the Prognosis of Benign Teratoma of Ovary? (Outcome/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Benign Teratoma of Ovary is typically excellent with complete surgical removal of the tumor
• However, infrequently it may recur following an incomplete excision and removal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Benign Teratoma of Ovary:

The following article link will help you understand other cancers and benign tumors:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/