A dermoid cyst is a type of benign tumor that grows slowly. Depending on its size and where it forms, it may cause symptoms such as a noticeable lump with discharge, pelvic pain, or a larger-looking abdomen.
A dermoid cyst can contain hair follicles, hair, glands, teeth, and cartilage. It can develop almost anywhere in the body, but it most often affects the ovaries, testicles, head, neck, face, lower back, or the central nervous system.
If a dermoid cyst is suspected, it is important to see a primary care provider or pediatrician. Diagnosis is confirmed with an exam and imaging, and treatment is typically surgical removal.
Main symptoms
Depending on the location and size, possible symptoms of a dermoid cyst include:
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Lump on the face, neck, ovary, or another part of the body;
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Discharge from the lump;
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Pelvic pain, especially during the menstrual period;
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Increase in abdominal size.
In addition, if complications occur, a dermoid cyst can also cause uterine bleeding, difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and weakness in the legs and arms.
However, it is important to note that dermoid cysts often do not cause symptoms and may only be found during imaging tests.
Confirming a diagnosis
A dermoid cyst may be diagnosed by a primary care provider or pediatrician based on an evaluation of the lump and the symptoms and signs reported.
To confirm the diagnosis, the provider may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).
Different types
The main types of dermoid cyst include:
1. Ovarian dermoid cyst
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), an ovarian dermoid cyst (teratoma) is a benign ovarian tumor composed of various tissue types, such as skin and hair, and may grow during the reproductive years.
This type of cyst is benign and often does not cause symptoms; however, if it becomes large, it can lead to complications such as pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, abnormal uterine bleeding, or rupture.
Because dermoid cysts grow very slowly and usually remain asymptomatic, they are most often diagnosed in women of reproductive age.
2. Dermoid cyst of the eye
There are two types of dermoid cysts of the eye: orbital dermoid cysts, which are usually located near the bones of the eye socket, and epibulbar dermoid cysts, which form on the surface of the eye.
An eye dermoid cyst may look like a painless, smooth, firm, yellowish, swollen lump. If it is not treated, it can rupture and cause inflammation in the area.
3. Dermoid cyst of the head and neck
Dermoid cysts of the head and neck are the most common form of this condition. They can appear in the mouth, in the front or back of the head, and more rarely inside the nose.
4. Spinal dermoid cyst
A spinal dermoid cyst forms in the spine and, if it grows significantly, it can press on nerves and the spinal cord. This can cause difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and weakness in the legs and arms.
Possible causes
The exact causes of dermoid cysts are not fully understood. However, this congenital condition happens when skin and other skin structures become trapped during fetal development.
Treatment options
Treatment for a dermoid cyst should be recommended by a primary care provider or pediatrician. It is typically done with surgery to remove the cyst.
The surgical approach depends on the cyst’s location and size. In some cases, the doctor may also perform curettage and irrigation to remove any remaining tissue.
For intracranial dermoid cysts, a doctor may recommend a craniotomy. This is a surgery where a portion of the skull bone is removed to access areas of the brain and then replaced afterward.