Dermoid cyst, also called dermoid teratoma, is a type of cyst that can form during fetal development and is made up of cell debris and embryonic junctions, which has a yellowish color and can also have hair, teeth, keratin, sebum, and, more rarely, teeth. and cartilage.
This type of cyst can occur most often in the brain, sinuses, spine or ovaries and does not usually result in signs or symptoms, discovered during imaging tests, however, if symptoms are noticed, it is important for the person to go to the doctor to confirm the presence of the cyst and begin treatment , which usually corresponds to surgical removal.
- In most cases.
- The dermoid cyst is asymptomatic and is discovered only during imaging tests.
- Such as an X-ray.
- CT scan.
- MRI.
- Or ultrasound.
However, in some cases, the dermoid cyst can grow and cause signs and symptoms of inflammation to appear in the area where it is located. In such cases, it is important for the person to go to the family doctor to complete the diagnosis and to remove it as soon as possible, avoiding its rupture.
The dermoid cyst can be present from birth, but most of the time it is only diagnosed in women of childbearing age because its growth is very slow and is generally not related to any signs or symptoms.
The dermoid cyst in the ovary is in most cases benign and is not related to complications, such as torsion, infection, rupture or cancer, but it is important that you be evaluated by the gynecologist to check for the need for removal.
Although they are normally asymptomatic, in some cases the dermoid cyst on the ovary can cause abdominal pain or enlargement, abnormal uterine bleeding or rupture, which, although rare, can occur even during pregnancy. . In such cases, it is considered a gynecological emergency and must be treated immediately.
If a woman has a dermoid cyst on her ovary, she can become pregnant, as this type of cyst does not prevent pregnancy, unless it is very large and has occupied the entire ovarian space.
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, dermoid cyst can develop rapidly as long as it has receptors for estrogen and progesterone.
The dermoid cyst is generally considered a mild change, but it is important that it be removed to avoid health consequences, as it can grow over time. Its removal is performed by surgery, but the surgical technique can vary depending on its location, the surgery being more complicated when the dermoid cyst is located in the skull or in the spinal cord.