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Dermoid Cyst: Jump To Navigation Jump To Search
Dermoid Cyst: Jump To Navigation Jump To Search
Dermoid cyst
Specialty Gynecology
Contents
1Location
o 1.1Vaginal and ovarian dermoid cysts
o 1.2Periorbital dermoid cysts
o 1.3Spinal dermoid cysts
2Diagnosis
o 2.1Differential diagnosis
3Treatment
4See also
5References
6External links
Location[edit]
Due to its classification, a dermoid cyst can occur wherever a teratoma can occur.
Vaginal and ovarian dermoid cysts[edit]
Ovaries normally grow cyst-like structures called follicles each month. Once an egg is
released from its follicle during ovulation, follicles typically deflate. Sometimes fluid
accumulates inside the follicle, forming a simple (containing only fluid) cyst. [2] The
majority of these functional cysts resolve spontaneously. [citation needed]
While all ovarian cysts can range in size from very small to quite large, dermoid cysts
are not classified as functional cysts. Dermoid cysts originate from totipotential germ
cells (which are present at birth) that differentiate abnormally, developing characteristics
of mature dermal cells. Complications exist, such as torsion (twisting), rupture, and
infection, although their incidence is rare. Dermoid ovarian cysts which are larger
present complications which might require removal by either laparoscopy or laparotomy
(traditional surgery).[3][4] Rarely, a dermoid cyst can develop in the vagina. [5][6][7]
A complex cyst due to a dermoid as seen on CT. Arrow points to bone or teeth.
Diagnosis[edit]
Differential diagnosis[edit]
A small dermoid cyst on the coccyx can be difficult to distinguish from a pilonidal cyst.
This is partly because both can be full of hair. A pilonidal cyst is a pilonidal sinus that is
obstructed. Any teratoma near the body surface may develop a sinus or a fistula, or
even a cluster of these. Such is the case of Canadian Football League
linebacker Tyrone Jones, whose teratoma was discovered when he blew a tooth out of
his nose.[12]
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for dermoid cyst is complete surgical removal, preferably in one piece and
without any spillage of cyst contents. Marsupialization, a surgical technique often used
to treat pilonidal cyst, is inappropriate for dermoid cyst due to the risk of malignancy.
The association of dermoid cysts with pregnancy has been increasingly reported. They
usually present the dilemma of weighing the risks of surgery and anesthesia versus the
risks of untreated adnexal mass. Most references state that it is more feasible to treat
bilateral dermoid cysts of the ovaries discovered during pregnancy if they grow beyond
6 cm in diameter.