Dermoid Cyst: What It Is, Causes and Treatment
A dermoid cyst is a common, usually benign ovarian cyst. It does not go away with medicine; when needed it is removed by laparoscopy while keeping the ovary.
In this article 4 sections
A dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that develops from germ cells, the cells that normally form eggs, and it can contain hair, fat, skin cells and even tooth-like tissue. It is usually benign and is most common in young women and women of reproductive age. Medicines do not make this cyst disappear; when needed, it is removed by laparoscopy while preserving the ovary. In the video, Dr Sharmin Afroz explains this topic briefly.
01Why does a dermoid cyst occur?
The ovary contains certain cells that can form many different types of body tissue. If these cells grow abnormally inside the ovary, they can form tissue such as hair, fat or skin, enclosed in a sac. Medically it is called a mature cystic teratoma. Why some women develop it and others do not is not known. It is not caused by diet, lifestyle or anything the woman did wrong, and it is not infectious. Sometimes cysts are present in both ovaries.
02Symptoms and risks
Many dermoid cysts cause no symptoms and are found on an ultrasound done for another reason. As a cyst grows larger, it may cause:
- A heavy feeling in the lower abdomen or pain on one side
- A sense of bloating
- Pressure on the bladder or bowel
The main risk is twisting of the ovary (ovarian torsion), which can cut off its blood supply. This is an emergency, and without prompt surgery the ovary may be lost. Rarely, a cyst can burst, and very rarely, usually at an older age, cancer can develop within it.
03How it is diagnosed and treated
The features of a dermoid cyst can usually be recognised on ultrasound. If needed, the doctor may arrange a CT or MRI scan and some blood tests.
Laparoscopic cystectomy
The main treatment is surgical removal of the cyst. Today, in most cases this is done by laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery, using a camera and instruments through a few small openings in the abdomen. In young women, only the cyst is removed and the healthy part of the ovary is kept (ovarian cystectomy), to protect future fertility. Keyhole surgery means less pain, smaller scars and a quicker return to normal activities. The removed cyst is sent to the laboratory for examination.
When monitoring may be considered
For a very small cyst without symptoms, in particular situations, the doctor may advise regular ultrasound monitoring. If a cyst is found in pregnancy, the decision is made individually based on its size and symptoms.
When to see a doctor
- Sudden severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen, with vomiting or nausea: go to hospital without delay
- Pain with fever, dizziness or feeling faint
- A long-lasting heavy feeling or pain in the lower abdomen, or abdominal swelling
- If a cyst is seen on ultrasound, even without symptoms, show the report to a gynaecologist
Q & A
Frequently asked questions
No, a dermoid cyst does not disappear with medicine. When treatment is needed, surgical removal is the main option.
In most cases, no. Especially in young women, only the cyst is removed and the healthy part of the ovary is kept.
A dermoid cyst does not usually cause infertility by itself. With ovary-preserving surgery, pregnancy in future is possible.
In a small number of cases a cyst can develop again in the same or the other ovary, so follow up as your doctor advises.
Article & video by
Dr. Sharmin Afroz
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Infertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College & Hospital.
