Dermoid cyst (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Soujanya Thummathati, MBBS [2]
Overview
A dermoid cyst, also called a dermoid or mature cystic teratoma, is an abnormal relatively rare cyst that usually affects women during their childbearing years (15-40; the average age is 30), is usually benign, and can range in size from half an inch to 17 inches in diameter. It is similar to those present on skin tissue, and can contain fat and occasionally hair, bone, nails, teeth, eyes, cartilage, and thyroid tissue. Up to 10-15% of women with them have them in both ovaries. It develops from a totipotential germ cell (a primary oocyte) that is retained within the ovary. A CT scan and MRI can show the presence of fat and dense calcifications. Though it often does not cause any symptoms, it can on the other hand become inflamed, and can also twist around (a condition known as ovarian torsion), causing severe abdominal pain and imperiling its blood supply, which is an emergency and calls for urgent surgery. These cysts can generally be removed easily, which is usually the treatment of choice, with either conventional surgery (laparotomy; open surgery) or laparoscopy. Removal does not generally affect fertility. The larger it is, the greater the risk of rupture with spillage of the contents, which can create problems with adhesions and pain. Although the large majority (about 98%) are benign, the remaining fraction (about 2%) becomes cancerous (malignant) -- those are usually in women over 40.
What are the symptoms of Dermoid cyst?
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location. Dermoid cyst does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
What causes Dermoid cyst?
It is often located in the ovaries. Dermoid cyst can spread throughout the body, and have spread by the time of diagnosis.
Who is at highest risk?
Dermoid cyst occurs most often in young men in their 20s - 30s
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Dermoid cyst develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- A large amount of bleeding from the vagina
Treatment options
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may reveal signs of Dermoid cyst.
The following tests help diagnose the tumor:
- Blood tests to check beta-HCG and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels: For patients with Dermoid cyst, the two levela may be normal but exclude other causes.
- laparoscopes with biopsy
Patients with Dermoid cyst have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the tumor. The options are surgery and chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effect may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
- Surgery: If the Dermoid cyst has not spread and the patient's general health is available, the surgery may be recommened.
- Chemotherapy: The treatment is to use drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Usual used drugs are cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Different locational Dermoid cyst show different symptoms and signs.
Dermoid cyst in genital gland needs to differ from
Prevention of Dermoid cyst
Because the cause is not clear, the preventive measure is unknown.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of Dermoid cyst depends on the following:
- Whether or not the tumor can be removed by surgery.
- The size and location of the tumor
- The patient’s general health
Possible complications
The cancer can spread throughout the body and there may be complications of surgery or related to chemotherapy.