Mature / immature teratoma

Can ultrasound and mri distinguish between a mature and immature teratoma on an ovary? I was initially told it looked like I had a Dermoid cyst and they would likely remove it, but will they o my knownif it’s benign after removing it? What are the chances of it being immature (cancer) ?

  • Hi Kaspian

    Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you're dealing with this at the moment. 

    I'm going to ask if one of our nurses will pop over and reply to your post as they're probably better placed with information to answer your questions. Please bear with us as it may take them a couple of days to get back to you. 

    Alternatively you could give them a call to chat through your conerns. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hello and thanks for posting on the forum,

    I am sorry to hear that you are going through different investigations. The doctors will have a good idea by looking at the MRI and ultrasound but they will then be able to confirm what kind of cyst it is when it is removed and the pathologist looks at it under a microscope.  We do have some information on the website about these particular cysts and how they are treated which you can look at here

    As you can see from the information mature teratomas are the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumours.  They are non cancerous (benign).  Mature teratoma is often called a dermoid cyst. 

    As we are nurses and not involved in your care we can't tell you what the chances of it being an immature teratoma but it sounds like the doctors think that it is a dermoid cyst.

    I hope that this has been helpful. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best Wishes,

    Catherine

  • Hello Catherine,

    Thanks so much for the reply. I had an MRI today and had the results back quite quickly to say everything is OK. There is a cyst but nothing to worry about. I’m thinking perhaps they discovered it wasn’t a Dermoid cyst after all but I’ll know more soon. Being sent back from gynocological oncology to a gynaecological clinic to help with symptoms I have. 

    Having an MRI felt worrying but it’s good that they have checked everything out properly.

     thanks

    :)