What is a dermoid cyst?

A dermoid cyst is a benign (noncancerous) sac-like growth present from birth, formed when skin-related tissues like hair follicles, oil glands, and sweat glands get trapped under the skin during embryonic development. These slow-growing cysts contain substances like hair, skin cells, and fluid, and often appear as small, painless lumps on the head, neck, or face, but can occur elsewhere. They are usually removed surgically to prevent complications like infection or rupture.

What is the main cause of dermoid cysts?

What causes a dermoid cyst? Dermoid cysts are present at birth (congenital). These cysts occur when skin layers don't grow together as they should. This happens during the early stages of development in the uterus (fetal development).

What happens if a dermoid cyst is left untreated?

Dermoid cysts do not go away on their own. They may grow bigger with time or become infected. Although a dermoid cyst is usually harmless, it can cause discomfort or other issues if not treated. Healthcare providers often remove these cysts with surgery.

What does the inside of a dermoid cyst look like?

Inside the cyst there could be identified fat, sebaceous secretions, hair follicles, hair, and in about 30% of cases organ-like structures (teeth, bone fragments) [9]. The size of a dermoid cysts may be extremely vari- able.

What is ovarian dermoid cyst in children?

Ovarian dermoid cysts are benign germ-cell tumors commonly found in pediatric and adolescent patients. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy has become the preferred surgical approach over laparotomy due to its benefits of shorter hospital stay, reduced post-operative pain, and quicker recovery.

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At what age are dermoid cysts most common?

Dermoid cysts are among the most common pediatric skull tumors. [4][3] Dermoid cysts account for about 15.4%-58.5% of all scalp and skull masses in pediatric patients. [4] Dermoid cysts are usually congenital, with about 70% of cases discovered in children five years old or younger.

How do they remove dermoid cysts in children?

Removal of an intracranial dermoid cyst is carried out while your child is under general anaesthetic. When your child is under general anaesthetic, the surgeon will clip your child's hair just over the incision site and fix the rest of their hair out of the way.

Why do dermoid cysts have hair and teeth?

Dermoid cysts have hair and teeth because they form from trapped embryonic cells (ectoderm) that develop into skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and even teeth, rather than getting lost or dying off during fetal growth, creating a benign tumor with mature tissues like hair and bone. These cysts are essentially "hodgepodge" growths containing various body parts from the trapped cells that continue to grow, often containing sebum, skin, hair, and sometimes teeth or bone. 

What can be mistaken for an ovarian dermoid cyst?

They can be located in the pelvis, where they might be mistaken for an adnexal mass, an upper abdominal mass, or a periumbilical mass.

Is a dermoid cyst a fertilized egg?

An ovarian dermoid cyst is not a fetus. They are present at birth as they develop as an embryo grows. Ovarian dermoid cysts are benign cysts that contain sebaceous material alongside mature tissue, such as hair, fat, and teeth.

How urgent is a dermoid cyst removal?

If injured and the cyst wall is ruptured, the leaking cyst contents irritate the surrounding tissues causing pain, swelling, and possibly scarring. Untreated dermoid cysts may occasionally become infected, requiring treatment with antibiotics or more urgent surgical removal.

Is a dermoid cyst a birth defect?

A dermoid cyst is a congenital defect (present from birth) that occurs during embryonic development when the skin layers do not properly grow together.

Can ultrasound detect a dermoid cyst?

They occur primarily in pre‐menopausal women between the ages of 10 and 30 years. Ultrasound has become a frequently used and highly effective modality through which the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst can be made. A dermoid cyst generally contains fluid, fat and solid tissue.

Are dermoid cysts from a twin?

While there have been familial cases reported, a genetic inheritance for nasal dermoids has not been suggested. We present the first reported case of a mother and her identical twin daughters who were all found to have evidence of frontonasal dermoid cysts.

Can cysts be caused by stress?

Some people develop cysts early in life, whether from an inherited disease like Gardner's syndrome or another birth defect. Clogged pores and other blockages of bodily fluids can result in cysts as well. Cysts are also sometimes caused by infections, stress, and chronic inflammation.

Can a dermoid cyst become cancerous?

Yes, dermoid cysts (mature cystic teratomas) are usually benign, but they can rarely become cancerous, a process called malignant transformation, typically occurring in 1-2% of cases, most often developing into squamous cell carcinoma. This transformation is more common in older individuals and usually involves immature or malignant cells within the benign cyst.
 

What triggers a dermoid cyst?

Dermoid cysts are caused by skin cells and other tissues getting trapped during early fetal development, forming a sac that collects materials like skin, hair, sweat, and sometimes teeth or bone, leading to a benign lump present from birth, often on the head, neck, or face, but also possible in ovaries or spine. They are congenital defects, meaning they start when skin layers don't fuse correctly as the embryo grows.
 

What age are dermoid cysts most common?

Dermoid cysts make up 15%-20% of all ovarian tumors. They are most common in women of reproductive age, generally between the ages of 20 and 40 [2]. An individual cyst can span from less than 1 centimeter (cm) to 10 cm, equating to approximately half an inch (") to roughly 4″, respectively [3].

Can a dermoid cyst be removed without removing the ovary?

Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovary (cystectomy). In some cases, the ovary with the cyst is removed (oophorectomy). Surgery can often be done using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) with a laparoscope and instruments inserted through small cuts in your abdomen.

Do dermoid cysts run in families?

Yes, dermoid cysts can have a hereditary link, with studies showing a greater chance of occurrence in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition, although most cases are sporadic; family histories of ovarian or nasal dermoids often point towards inherited factors, potentially autosomal dominant in some instances, meaning genes influence their development. 

Can an ovarian cyst cause hip pain?

Yes, an ovarian cyst can definitely cause hip pain, often described as a dull ache or sharp pain radiating to the hip, low back, or thigh, usually on one side, because the cyst or leaked fluid can press on nearby pelvic nerves or structures like the psoas muscle, making it feel like a musculoskeletal issue. This pain often accompanies other symptoms like bloating or menstrual changes, and it's important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions like endometriosis or nerve problems.
 

What is the recovery like after dermoid cyst removal?

Dermoid cyst removal involves the surgical removal of cysts that contain tissue like hair or fat. This surgery may require a longer recovery time. When can I resume normal activities after ovarian surgery? Most women can resume light activities within 1-2 weeks.

What type of surgeon removes a dermoid cyst?

The neurosurgeon and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon insert tiny surgical tools through the nose. They use them to remove the rest of the cyst (the tube and the round lump near the skull base).

Why does my daughter keep getting cysts?

Experts in Diagnosing and Treating Cysts in Children

Cysts can be created from material left from embryonic development or may develop from an obstruction or an infection. A cyst may develop from an obstruction or possibly an infection.

Who is most at risk for developing dermoid cysts?

Usually, dermoid cysts are detected in children five years old or younger. There are also instances where the cysts are discovered in adults. These cysts tend to occur slightly more in girls. No significant racial difference is present in the occurrence of dermoid cysts, but most reports come from the white population.