Symptoms, origins, remedies, and frequently asked questions about Dermoid cysts located in the ovaries

Ovarian dermoid cysts are a type of ovarian cyst that arise from abnormal cell growth and contain different tissue types such as fluid, hair, skin, or other elements. These cysts are usually benign and can occur at any age, but they are more common in women of reproductive age.

Causes and Classification

Dermoid cysts develop from germ cells that make eggs, but instead of developing normally, these cells grow into cysts that contain varied tissue types. They are classified as benign tumors, and their exact cause is not always completely understood, though it involves abnormal cell differentiation.

Symptoms

Often, dermoid cysts are asymptomatic and are found incidentally during pelvic exams or ultrasounds. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen, sudden sharp pain if the cyst ruptures or causes ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), bloating or swelling, pain during or after intercourse, changes in menstrual cycle, and painful bowel movements.

Treatment

Small asymptomatic dermoid cysts may be monitored over time with periodic ultrasounds. However, surgical removal (ovarian cystectomy) is commonly recommended for dermoid cysts because they generally do not resolve on their own and may grow or cause complications such as torsion or rupture. Surgery is often done minimally invasively (laparoscopy) aiming to preserve as much ovarian tissue as possible. Pain relievers may be used to manage discomfort before surgery or if surgery is deferred.

Key Points

Dermoid ovarian cysts arise from abnormal germ cell growth, often contain multiple tissue types, and are usually benign.
Symptoms appear mainly if the cyst grows large or complications occur, and the treatment of choice is typically surgical removal, especially if symptomatic or large.
Small non-symptomatic cysts may be monitored under medical supervision.
If symptoms are present, the symptom that people report is lower abdominal pain.
Potential complications of ovarian dermoid cysts include rupturing, ovarian torsion, infection, malignant transformation, and chronic peritonitis.
Laparoscopic surgery is considered safe and successful for pregnant individuals who require surgery.
A doctor may discover the presence of an ovarian dermoid cyst during examinations for other conditions.
An ovarian dermoid cyst is not a fetus, but contains sebaceous material alongside mature tissue, such as hair, fat, and teeth.
Most ovarian dermoid cysts do not cause symptoms unless a complication develops.
People should contact a doctor if the cyst is causing symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain, or if they experience symptoms of any complications, including sudden and severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Ovarian dermoid cysts have a growth rate of 1.8 millimeters per year in pre-menopausal individuals.
A doctor's initial assessment includes checking vitals, a pelvic and abdominal physical exam, taking a detailed history, ordering a complete blood count, a complete metabolic panel, a pregnancy test, and potentially imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI scan.
Ovarian dermoid cysts mostly consist of sebaceous material that is liquid at body temperature and semisolid at room temperature.
Surveillance may be recommended if a person is pregnant, the cyst is small, or if it measures less than 6 cm in those who wish to become pregnant.
For cysts measuring less than 5 cm, a laparoscopic cystectomy may be performed, which involves surgically removing the cyst instead of the entire ovary.
Treatment plans for ovarian dermoid cysts depend on various factors, including symptoms, desire to conceive, size of the tumor, characteristics of the tumor, involvement of surrounding tissues, and the chance of malignant transformation.
The size of these cysts can vary from very small to larger than 39 centimeters.
An ovarian dermoid cyst is a type of germ cell tumor that develops on the ovaries.
Treatment is not always necessary if the cyst is small enough and not causing any symptoms. However, if the cyst becomes large, causes symptoms, or results in complications, surgical removal is likely to be necessary.
If the cysts measure more than 5-6 cm and have affected the entire ovary, an oophorectomy, the surgical removal of the ovary, may be necessary.
They most commonly affect females ages 20-40 years.
If the cyst is advanced, people may also experience fever, severe abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.
Dermoid cysts are present at birth and develop due to elements of the ectodermal layer becoming trapped as the embryo develops.

Women seeking health-and-wellness information should be aware that dermoid cysts which are a type of ovarian cyst affecting women's health, can cause lower abdominal pain and are more common in women of reproductive age (20-40 years). Science has classified these cysts as benign tumors that arise from abnormal germ cell growth and contain various tissue types like fluid, hair, skin, or other elements. In some cases, if the cyst becomes larger or causes complications, surgical intervention may be required for health reasons.