laparoscopic view of dermoid cyst on left ovary A dermoid cyst of the ovary (also known as a germ cell tumor or teratoma) is a peculiar type of cyst, as it can contain tissue from any part of the body. They can contain hair, teeth, glands that secrete fatty tissue (sebum). In some cases they can contain thyroid gland tissue and produce symptoms related to the thyroid gland. They may also contain neural tissue or bone.
Dermoid cysts are one of the commoner types of ovarian cyst and are often seen in women of reproductive age, they are the commonest cyst under the age of 30years and are usually benign (meaning they do not go on to cause cancer). In about 15% of women who have ovarian dermoid cysts will have them on both ovaries.
The symptoms from dermoid cysts are the same as with any other cyst of the ovary
They may be asymptomatic (produce no symptoms)
Or can cause abdominal pain
They can undergo torsion (twisting of the pedicle of the ovary)
They can grow to a large size and cause pressure on the bladder (resulting in going to pass urine often)
Or cause constipation in they exert pressure on the bowel.
Very rarely they can rupture and release the fluid they contain into the abdomen causing irritation and pain.
Dermoid cysts are typically diagnosed by ultrasound.
Once diagnosed if they cause no symptoms and are under 3cm women may be advised to do nothing and just keep things under surveillance with serial ultrasound scans 3 months apart and only advised to have intervention if they increase in size or become symptomatic.
Once treatment is advised the gold standard management often irrespective of size is operative laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
Such surgery is often carried out as a day case.
Once the cysts are removed and histology is normal. It often not necessary for routine follow-up with scans for fear of recurrence of the cysts.
Whether women need to be seen again will depend on their symptoms. If the symptoms come back see your doctor then.
Removal of the cysts do not affect future fertility
Dermoid cysts are one of the commoner types of ovarian cyst and are often seen in women of reproductive age, they are the commonest cyst under the age of 30years and are usually benign (meaning they do not go on to cause cancer). In about 15% of women who have ovarian dermoid cysts will have them on both ovaries.
The symptoms from dermoid cysts are the same as with any other cyst of the ovary
They may be asymptomatic (produce no symptoms)
Or can cause abdominal pain
They can undergo torsion (twisting of the pedicle of the ovary)
They can grow to a large size and cause pressure on the bladder (resulting in going to pass urine often)
Or cause constipation in they exert pressure on the bowel.
Very rarely they can rupture and release the fluid they contain into the abdomen causing irritation and pain.
Dermoid cysts are typically diagnosed by ultrasound.
Once diagnosed if they cause no symptoms and are under 3cm women may be advised to do nothing and just keep things under surveillance with serial ultrasound scans 3 months apart and only advised to have intervention if they increase in size or become symptomatic.
Once treatment is advised the gold standard management often irrespective of size is operative laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
Such surgery is often carried out as a day case.
Once the cysts are removed and histology is normal. It often not necessary for routine follow-up with scans for fear of recurrence of the cysts.
Whether women need to be seen again will depend on their symptoms. If the symptoms come back see your doctor then.
Removal of the cysts do not affect future fertility
Opened dermoid cyst showing hair and sebum
RSS Feed