Illustration of a tree growing inside a woman's abdomen, symbolizing benign tumor deposits post-surgery.

Uncommon Twist: Benign Tumors Popping Up Post-Surgery?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Doctors find mature cystic teratoma deposits years after initial ovarian tumor removal, sparking questions about surgical complications."

In a surprising medical revelation, doctors have encountered a rare phenomenon: the reappearance of mature benign cystic teratomas in the abdominal cavity, years after the initial ovarian tumor was surgically removed. This unusual complication raises important questions about the long-term effects of tumor seeding during surgery and the potential for recurrence, even with benign growths.

Mature cystic teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors that typically occur in the ovaries. They contain a variety of tissues, including skin, hair, teeth, and fat. While generally not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and may require surgical removal. However, the emergence of these tumors in unexpected locations post-surgery presents a unique challenge for medical professionals.

This article will delve into a fascinating case study that highlights this rare complication. It explores the diagnostic journey, potential causes, and implications for women’s health. By understanding this phenomenon, we can better inform patients, improve surgical techniques, and enhance long-term monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The Case: A Post-Surgery Surprise

Illustration of a tree growing inside a woman's abdomen, symbolizing benign tumor deposits post-surgery.

A woman in her early forties presented to her gastroenterology team with recurrent upper abdominal pain. An initial ultrasound revealed three suspicious masses in her right upper quadrant. A subsequent CT scan confirmed multiple mixed-density lesions along the liver surface, containing fat, soft tissue, and even calcification. This complex presentation puzzled doctors, leading them to investigate her medical history.

Five years prior, the patient had undergone surgery to remove a 10 cm ovarian mature cystic teratoma. A review of her previous imaging showed a normal liver at the time, with no signs of the lesions that were now present. This discovery raised the possibility that the new lesions were related to the previous surgery, suggesting a rare complication of tumor seeding.

Imaging Challenges: Differentiating the lesions from other liver conditions, such as lipomas, adenomas, or even malignant tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma, required careful analysis.
Multidisciplinary Approach: A hepatobiliary multidisciplinary team was consulted to discuss the case and determine the best course of action.
Advanced Imaging: An MRI of the liver further characterized the lesions, confirming the presence of macroscopic fat and ruling out abnormal enhancement.

Given the patient's history and the imaging findings, doctors suspected intra-peritoneal mature benign cystic teratomas, resulting from seeding during the initial ovarian tumor resection. This unusual diagnosis highlighted the importance of considering surgical history and the potential for rare complications, even with benign tumors.

What Does This Mean for You?

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of long-term monitoring after tumor surgery, even for benign conditions. While rare, the possibility of tumor seeding and subsequent growth should be considered, especially if new symptoms arise. Open communication with your medical team, a thorough review of medical history, and advanced imaging techniques are crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. If you have a history of ovarian teratoma removal and experience new abdominal symptoms, consult your doctor for proper evaluation.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What are mature cystic teratomas and why are they usually removed?

Mature cystic teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors that typically originate in the ovaries. These tumors are composed of various tissues such as skin, hair, teeth, and fat. Surgical removal is often recommended because they can cause discomfort or other complications even though they are not typically life-threatening. The primary goal of removal is to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential issues associated with their growth.

What does 'tumor seeding' mean in the context of post-surgery complications, and how does it relate to mature cystic teratomas?

Tumor seeding refers to the unintended spread of tumor cells during surgery. In this case, during the initial surgery to remove the ovarian mature cystic teratoma, some cells might have been dislodged and spread within the abdominal cavity. These dislodged cells can then attach to other tissues and develop into new mature cystic teratomas at different locations. This is a rare complication, especially with benign tumors, but it underscores the importance of meticulous surgical techniques and the potential for long-term monitoring.

What were the diagnostic challenges in the case presented when the patient experienced abdominal pain years after the initial surgery?

The diagnostic process was complex due to the need to differentiate the lesions from other possible conditions such as lipomas, adenomas, or even malignant tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma. Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI were used to characterize the lesions. The presence of fat, soft tissue, and calcification within the lesions pointed towards the possibility of mature cystic teratomas. Ultimately, the patient's medical history, the appearance of the lesions, and the exclusion of other conditions led to the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma deposits resulting from surgical seeding.

How can the reappearance of mature cystic teratomas after surgery affect a woman's health, and what are the implications of this case study?

The reappearance of mature cystic teratomas can cause abdominal pain or discomfort and can potentially lead to complications depending on their size and location. This case highlights the importance of long-term monitoring after ovarian tumor surgery, even for benign conditions. It underscores the need for women with a history of mature cystic teratoma removal to be vigilant about new symptoms and to maintain open communication with their medical team. The study's implications include the need for thorough reviews of medical history, the consideration of tumor seeding as a potential complication, and the use of advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.

What should a woman do if she has a history of mature cystic teratoma removal and experiences new abdominal symptoms?

If a woman has a history of mature cystic teratoma removal and develops new abdominal symptoms, the first step is to consult her doctor immediately. It is essential to provide a detailed medical history, including the previous surgery and any related details. Further evaluation with imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, may be necessary to assess the cause of the symptoms. Open communication with the medical team is crucial for accurate diagnosis, considering the possibility of tumor seeding, and ensuring appropriate and timely intervention.