Patient's question:
Last June, during the unit health check-up, it was found that I had a corpus luteum cyst. At that time, the doctor told me that this cyst would come out along with my menstruation, so I didn't seek treatment. However, during the health check-up this year, the doctor told me that it wasn't a cyst but a teratoma. The doctor prescribed medication and asked me to come back for another check-up after my next menstrual period. What is the difference between a corpus luteum cyst and a teratoma?Doctor's answer:
An ovarian teratoma is a common type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It is more prevalent in women of reproductive age. Ovarian tumors are common gynecological malignancies with various different natures and morphologies. A corpus luteum hematoma occurs during the normal menopausal process when the follicular layer ruptures, leading to bleeding, with a significant amount of blood accumulating in the follicle or corpus luteum cavity to form a hematoma. The normal diameter of a corpus luteum is about 15 mm, after which it transforms into a corpus albicans and naturally regresses during the follicular phase of the next cycle. Corpus luteum hematomas are usually unilateral, generally with a diameter of 40 mm, occasionally reaching 100 mm. After resolution, the corpus luteum hematoma may develop into a corpus luteum cyst. If a larger hematoma ruptures, it can lead to intra-abdominal hemorrhage, severe abdominal pain, minimal vaginal bleeding, and peritoneal irritation, making it difficult to distinguish from ectopic pregnancy.