What Is a Dermoid Cyst? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

A dermoid cyst is a benign tumor made up of tissue and cells beneath the skin. This cyst may contain hair, teeth or nerve. It is more often present at birth. Dermoid cysts usually form in the head and neck region, but they can also occur in the ovaries, the spine, or elsewhere in the body. They usually grow slowly and do not cause pain. However, in some cases, as the cysts grow, they can press on surrounding tissues and cause discomfort or pain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dermoid Cyst?

Many people with a dermoid cyst have no noticeable symptoms. In some people, symptoms begin to appear as the cyst grows. Symptoms vary depending on the type of dermoid cyst. Some of the symptoms of a dermoid cyst include:

Swelling or mass: Dermoid cysts usually appear as a visible swelling just beneath the skin. This swelling usually grows slowly and may move when touched. Depending on the size of the cyst, it may cause a feeling of pressure on the surrounding tissues. The swelling is usually painless, but in some cases it may cause discomfort.

Pain and discomfort: Although dermoid cysts are usually painless, in some cases, as they grow, they can press on surrounding tissues and cause pain and discomfort. Pain caused by pressure may occur especially in the area where the cyst is located. Dermoid cysts in the ovarian region may cause pain that increases during the menstrual cycle.

Changes in the skin: When dermoid cysts occur on the surface of the skin, changes in skin color and mild swelling may be observed. A light-colored or yellowish spot may sometimes appear on the skin over the cyst. Roughness or bumps may also develop on the skin surface. These changes may be caused by the materials inside the cyst and can lead to irregularities in the skin tissue.

Feeling of pressure: Growth of a dermoid cyst, especially one located beneath the skin, can cause a feeling of pressure in the area where it sits. For example, a dermoid cyst in the ovary may contribute to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic region.

How Does a Dermoid Cyst Form?

Dermoid cysts develop as a result of abnormal closure of tissues during embryonic development. Normally, skin and other tissues form in specific areas, but deviations in this process can lead to the formation of dermoid cysts. Dermoid cysts contain tissues found in different parts of the body, such as hair roots, skin cells and sebaceous glands.

Sometimes unexpected structures, such as teeth, may also be found within the cysts, which makes dermoid cysts quite complex in structure. The tissues they contain indicate that the cyst is usually benign. Dermoid cysts occur in the face and head region, particularly around the eyes or on the scalp and. In women, they are seen in the ovaries. These cysts can form in various parts of the body, and each may show different symptoms. Although the exact cause of dermoid cysts is not fully known, the risk of developing dermoid cysts may be higher in the following situations:

Genetic predisposition: People with a family history of dermoid cysts may have a higher risk of developing these cysts. Genetic factors may increase the likelihood that abnormalities occurring during embryonic development will recur.

Developmental anomalies: Errors in tissue closure during embryonic development are an important risk factor for the formation of dermoid cysts. Such developmental anomalies can affect the contents and location of the cyst. Disturbances in tissue closure may prevent the cyst from forming in the correct areas and may lead to the accumulation of abnormal contents.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can affect the growth and development of dermoid cysts. Hormonal imbalances may alter the growth rate and symptoms of the cyst.

How Is a Dermoid Cyst Diagnosed?

Depending on the location of the dermoid cyst, it may be diagnosed in different ways. If the cyst is close to the surface of the skin, the doctor may examine the cyst and the surrounding area. Various tests and methods are also used to make a definitive diagnosis. Some of the methods used to diagnose a dermoid cyst include:

CT (computed tomography) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These non-invasive tests provide the doctor with images of the cyst. The results can show whether the cyst is close to a sensitive area such as the carotid artery. In addition, doctors can also show how close a spinal dermoid cyst is to the nerves.

Laboratory tests and biopsy: To determine the type of tissues in the cyst, tissue samples taken from the contents of the cyst can be examined with laboratory tests. This procedure can provide information about the structure of the cyst and is performed to evaluate whether it is malignant. Dermoid cysts are mostly benign. A biopsy, in which samples of the tissue structure of the dermoid cyst are taken for examination, can help evaluate the contents of the cyst and any potential risks.

Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography can clearly visualize hair, skin cells and various fat-like tissues within the cyst. This method helps determine whether the cyst is fluid-filled or solid. Ultrasonography can also be used to determine the size of the cyst and the extent of its spread.

Pelvic ultrasonography: It uses painless sound waves to obtain images of an ovarian dermoid cyst. During a pelvic ultrasound, the doctor examines the area through the skin using a probe. This method is important for diagnosing dermoid cysts that occur in the ovarian region of women. It can show in detail the tissues within the cyst, its size, and its effect on the ovaries. It can also be very useful for determining how the cyst interacts with the organs around it and its potential effects.

How Is a Dermoid Cyst Treated?

Treatment options for a dermoid cyst are planned by a specialist physician depending on factors such as the location and size of the cyst. Surgical removal of the cyst is an effective method for this condition. The type of surgery depends on the type of dermoid cyst and its location. Some of the treatment methods for dermoid cysts include:

Surgical intervention: Complete removal of the cyst from its location is important to prevent the cyst from recurring, and it is usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the cyst is removed carefully to avoid damaging the healthy tissues around it. After the operation, a biopsy is performed to examine the contents of the cyst pathologically. The results provide information about whether the cyst is benign.

Laparoscopic surgery: This is a technique used to remove dermoid cysts using a minimally invasive method. This method allows the cyst to be removed through small incisions using a thin camera and special instruments. Laparoscopic surgery shortens the healing process and reduces pain after the operation. It helps the patient return to daily activities more quickly.

Ultrasound-guided intervention: In some cases, the contents of a dermoid cyst can be drained with a needle under ultrasound guidance. This method is used to remove the fluid or semi-fluid contents of the cyst, but it does not ensure complete removal of the cyst. Aspiration may offer a temporary solution to reduce the size of the cyst and relieve symptoms. If the cyst is not completely cleared, there is a risk of recurrence.

Medical follow-up: For small dermoid cysts that are asymptomatic, doctors usually recommend regular follow-up. Imaging tests are performed at set intervals to evaluate changes in the size of the cyst and the development of symptoms. Medical monitoring helps determine whether the cyst requires intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dermoid cysts are mostly harmless, but some may cause complications depending on their size and location. In rare cases, the contents of the cyst may become inflamed or infected, which can lead to health problems. Dermoid cysts are generally benign, and the risk of them turning into cancer is very low. Ovarian dermoid cysts become cancerous in fewer than 2% of cases. Dermoid cysts usually do not cause nausea. However, dermoid cysts that have grown large and press on the organs in the abdomen can lead to nausea and vomiting. Dermoid cysts usually do not disappear on their own. These cysts are benign tumors that form during the embryonic period and contain various tissues. It is important to monitor cysts with regular check-ups, and surgical intervention may be performed when the doctor deems it appropriate. As with any surgical procedure, dermoid cyst surgery may carry a risk of damage to the ovary, especially if the cyst is large or if complications arise during surgery. This risk can be minimized by experienced specialist surgeons and proper techniques. Dermoid cysts usually do not recur after removal, because the goal during surgery is to remove the cyst completely. In some cases, if not all of the cyst tissue is removed during surgery or very small fragments are left behind, these remaining fragments may grow over time and cause the cyst to form again. Dermoid cysts are mostly harmless, but regular doctor check-ups are important to prevent possible complications. People experiencing symptoms of a dermoid cyst can make an appointment at the Hisar Hospital Women's Health and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic and begin the treatment process under the care of our expert physicians.