Yearly recurring teratoma after 5 year old malignancy

Sorry for chiming in incorrectly  on previous thread (I'm new to this site)
My daughter had a mixed immature and mature teratoma (18 cm) removed 5 years ago. Her right ovary was removed at the time and she never had chemo. Since the initial operation she has been monitored closely with MRI's, CT scans, AFP and there has not been subsequent evidence of malignancy.

Since the initial operation she has had 6 operations to remove non malignant teratomas  on the left ovary to preserve the ovary and her fertility. There is gliamatosis peritonei in other associated areas (omentum, peritoneal sac, etc. which does not seem to present a problem.

As the primary concern is now her fertility, as the teratomas dont stop growing on her remaining ovary, is she doomed to have yearly operations or are there any other options to explore? Shes 20 years old.
Thanks,
Jef

[rootietootie]

Hi there, sorry to hear about your daughter's problems.  I know it all must be very stressful for her and the family.  I have asked doctors why teratomas develop.  They don't know why.  I have asked them if you have it once are you at more risk of getting it again.  They say no, it is a fluke and you have no more chance of getting it again then someone has of getting it for the first time.  I really don't know if they even know.  I doubt they do.  Has your daughter asked them why they keep growing?  Is she seeing an Gyn/Onc?  I would try to press for answers, ask them to find out why this keeps happening.  Has she been on birth control pills?  My daughters gyn recommended that to keep her from developing cysts, but it is unknown if it hinders teratoma development, probably doesn't.  I am sorry she is going through all that, but I would really try find out why she keeps getting them if I could.  Shannon