What Are Dermoid Cysts?
Posted on August 17th, 2008. Filed under: Health.Dermoid cysts can occur in any person, regardless of race, sex, and age. Dermoid cysts in the ovary, of course, occur only among women. Dermoid cysts in the face, neck, or scalp, however, are usually present at birth and clearly visible.
A dermoid cyst is a complex ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell. Known for containing solid physical tissue such as hair, teeth, and bone, a dermoid cyst in the ovaries most often develop during a woman’s prime childbearing years, between the ages of 20 and 40, though they can develop at any age. Dermoid cysts are often surgically removed as a result of the intense pain they produce when they cut off the blood supply of the ovaries. Other dermoid cysts have been known to occur on the face, neck, or scalp.
A dermoid cyst in an ovary is usually a mature teratoma that is benign. Dermoids are fairly common in women over the age of 40 years. Dermoid cysts are rarely cancerous though they make up about one half of all benign ovarian tumors. About 1 to 2 percent of dermoid cysts are cancerous.
The early stages of a dermoid cyst determine whether or not it will eventually lead to cancer. In general, dermoid cysts are not often cancerous — cancerous dermoid cysts are labeled as immature teratomas. There is little to no chance of a dermoid cyst that has generated hair, muscle fibers or other matter becoming cancerous.
Dermoid cysts can be found on one or both ovaries. They usually can be detected during a pelvic examination. They are usually asymptomatic but can twist or rupture, causing severe pain in either the pelvic or abdominal area. Potential complications can be avoided by removing dermoid cysts that develop in ovaries. If the cyst is not removed and continues to develop, peritonitis may result, which is a painful irritation of the abdominal area.
Abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area can be caused if an ovarian cyst begins to twist or even burst and is often the most common sign that a woman has Dermoid cysts on or in the ovaries. Unfortunately nearly all types of ovarian cysts have the same types of symptoms and a accurate determination can only be made with a proper exam by your doctor before possible surgical options should be discussed.
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.
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