There is no specific time for how long it takes for a malignant teratoma to spread; it can take six months to a year to spread, or it can take years.
Teratomas mostly occur in the ovary, testis, mediastinum, peritoneum and sacrum, and are divided into benign and malignant. Malignant teratomas, or immature teratomas, account for 1% to 3% of ovarian teratomas and are composed of immature embryonic tissues with varying degrees of differentiation, which are prone to recurrence and have a high rate of metastasis.
Some malignant teratomas may spread six months to a year after diagnosis, while others, if treated early, may not spread or may spread again after a few years.
Once malignant teratoma is diagnosed, treatment should be taken as soon as possible, usually radical surgery is needed to remove the teratoma, and after the surgery, further radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be given according to the physical condition.