There is no discrimination when it comes to the development of dermoid cysts. Indeed, race, gender, and age have no effect on whether a dermoid cysts will grow. When the cysts develop on the face, scalp or on the neck, they are generally quite prominent at birth. They can also occur in the ovary and this is obviously specific to women.
A dermoid cyst is a complex ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell. Known for containing solid physical tissue such as teeth, hair and even bone, a dermoid cyst in the ovaries most often develops during a woman’s prime childbearing years (between the ages of 20 and 40). Though it can develop at any age. Dermoid cysts often need to be surgically removed because of the strong 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.
Cancerous dermoid cysts are called immature teratomas. Whether or not a dermoid cyst will become cancerous is determined in its early development. Since dermoid cysts have been known to contain sweat glands, hair, muscle fibers, or cartilage, dermoid cysts can vary but overall, they rarely lead to cancer. Once a dermoid cyst has developed hair or other features, it has little to no chance or developing into a cancerous cyst.
A typical dermoid cyst is asymptomatic but can normally be found during a routine pelvic exam. They are seen as growths on an ovary, sometimes twisting themselves or rupturing, both which can cause severe pain in the abdominal or pelvic area. When dermoid cysts are found in the ovaries, it is often best to have them surgically removed to avoid future complications. The irritation of the abdominal cavity, called peritonitis, is very painful and likely if the dermoid cyst keeps growing.
An ovarian cyst can twist or burst, which causes abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area. This is the most common symptom of a dermoid cyst. In this instance, the cyst will usually be removed surgically. The symptoms will not differ from a dermoid cyst and any other ovarian cyst, and can only be identified as an ovarian dermoid cyst by a doctor.
The symptoms of ovarian cysts are something every woman should be aware of, and any time she experiences these symptoms, she should consult a doctor. Any ovarian cyst that has the potential to turn complex should be watched carefully, and this includes a dermoid cyst. Removing a dermoid cyst has no impact on fertility and will not cause pregnancy complications. Still, patients need to perform good self care post-surgery to keep scar tissue form forming.
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