Dermoid Cysts Overview

A dermoid cyst can appear on anyone regardless of race, sex, age. Dermoid cysts which are found on the face, scalp or neck, are usually present and detectable from birth. Likewise dermoid cysts in the ovary obviously appear only in women.

Complex ovarian cysts knows and dermoid cysts usually develop from Totipotential germ cells. Containing solid tussies from other parts of the body including bone, teeth and hair dermoid cysts can show up at any age to anyone, but women usually develop them between the ages of 20 to 40. If a dermoid cyst develops and cuts off the circulation of blood to the ovaries, they usually cause extreem pain and require surgical attention to be removed. Dermoid cysts are also known to show up on the scalp, face or neck.

A mature teratoma, otherwise known as a dermoid cyst is a benign type of tumor known to grow in the ovaries. Dermoids are quite common, making up for nearly half of all benign ovarian tumors discovered, but are rarely malignant. Only 1 to 2 percent of dermoid cyst cases become cancerous and most often only in women over the age of 40.

Immature teratomas is another name for cancerous dermoid cysts. The early development of a dermoid cyst is what decide if it will be cancerous or not in the future. Containing all types of tissue found in your body including hair, muscle fibers, sweat glands and cartilage, the make up of a dermoid cyst varies, but in general they usually do not become cancerous. Once the development of hair or other features within a dermoid cyst begins, it is very unlikely it will become a cancerous cyst.

A typical dermoid cyst is asymptomatic but can normally be found during a routine pelvic exam. They are seen as growths on an ovary, sometimes twisting themselves or rupturing, both which can cause severe pain in the abdominal or pelvic area. When dermoid cysts are found in the ovaries, it is often best to have them surgically removed to avoid future complications. The irritation of the abdominal cavity, called peritonitis, is very painful and likely if the dermoid cyst keeps growing.

Abdominal or pelvic pain is a primary sign that an ovarian cyst has burst or twisted. Surgical removal is usually the preferred course of action. Only a physician can diagnose a dermoid cyst, because the symptoms associated with it are not markedly different than those from other types of ovarian cysts.

Dermoid cysts, like other types of complex ovarian cysts, should be monitored. All women should be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cysts, and check with their doctors whenever they experience these symptoms. The removal of a dermoid cyst does not affect a woman's fertility nor does it have any complications during a pregnancy. Nevertheless, individuals must take care of themselves after surgery in order to prevent the formation of scar tissue.