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Specialised Centre For Dermoid Cyst Treatment

dermoid cyst

A dermoid cyst is a saclike growth that is present at birth. It contains structures such as hair, fluid, teeth, or skin glands that can be found on or in the skin.

Dermoid cysts grow slowly and are not tender unless ruptured. They usually occur on the face, inside the skull, on the lower back, and in the ovaries. Superficial dermoid cysts on the face usually can be removed without complications. Removal of other, more raredermoid cysts requires special techniques and training.

Dermoid cysts occur in four major areas:

Dermoid cysts in the brain: Dermoid cysts occur very rarely here. A neurosurgeon may need to remove them if they cause problems.

Dermoid cysts in the nasal sinuses: : These are also very rare. Only a handful of cases involving dermoid cysts located here are reported each year. Removal of these cysts is extremely complicated.

Ovarian dermoid cysts: These growths can develop in a woman during their reproductive years. They can cause torsion, infection, rupture, and cancer. These dermoid cysts can be removed with either conventional surgery or laparoscopy (surgery that uses small incisions and specially designed instruments to enter the abdomen or pelvis).

Dermoid cysts of the spinal cord: A sinus tract, which is a narrow connection from a deep pit in the skin, usually connects these very rare cysts to the skin surface. This type of dermoid cyst can become infected. Removal is often incomplete, but the outcome is usually excellent.

Many people with dermoid cysts have no symptoms. Some people start to experience symptoms as their cysts grow. Symptoms vary based on the type of dermoid cyst. For example:

Periorbital dermoid cyst: A lump near the edge of your eyebrow may be swollen and have a yellow tint. Over time, it can change the shape of bones in the area.

Ovarian dermoid cyst: You may have pain in your pelvic area, particularly around the time of menstruation.

Spinal dermoid cyst: A growing dermoid cyst may compress your spinal cord or nerves, causing:

  • Trouble walking.
  • Urinary incontinence.
  • Weakness in your legs and arms.
  • Physical exam: If the cyst is close to your skin’s surface, your provider can examine the cyst and the area around it.
  • CT (computed tomography) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These noninvasive tests show your provider images of the cyst. These tests can show if the cyst is near a sensitive area, such as a carotid artery. They can also see if a spinal dermoid cyst may be near a nerve.
  • Pelvic ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound: Your provider uses painless sound waves to see images of an ovarian dermoid cyst. During a pelvic ultrasound, your provider applies a probe against your skin. During a transvaginal ultrasound, your provider inserts a wand into your vagina.

Surgical removal is the only effective treatment for any type of dermoid cyst.