An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary that is surrounded by a thin wall. Many types of ovarian cysts exist, and many do not exhibit any symptoms. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size but usually range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized.

 

Most ovarian cysts, about 95 percent, are harmless and benign. They can occur in women of any age but most often affect women who are in their childbearing years. Some ovarian cysts can rupture, bleed or cause pain and may need to be removed through surgery.

 

A dermoid ovarian cyst is a relatively uncommon type of ovarian cyst that can range in size from half an inch to 17 inches in diameter.

 

Dermoid cysts form from a germ cell that is in the ovary and can contain fat, hair, skin, fluid and teeth tissue and glands. These cysts most often grow very slowly and do not become tender unless they rupture. Most women will only have dermoid cysts in one ovary, but approximately 10 to 15 percent of women have ovarian dermoid cysts in both ovaries.

Dermoid cysts and their removal do not normally affect fertility. However, their size can be a problem in some cases, thus requiring surgical removal.

Ovarian dermoid cysts most often do not need treatment or removal, but in some cases they can become inflamed or twist the ovary. This is known as ovary torsion and can cause severe pain and severe blood supply problems. If this occurs, emergency surgery is necessary.

 

Traditional surgery or laparoscopy can be used to remove ovarian dermoid cysts. The larger the dermoid cyst, the more complicated the surgery can be. Larger dermoid cysts create a higher risk for rupture and for the spilling of their contents. Rupture and contents spilling can result in adhesions and more pain for the woman.

 

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and is often referred to as keyhole surgery or pinhole surgery. Laparoscopy uses very small incisions, generally around the belly button area for ovarian dermoid cysts, to insert a rod lens and a camera system to perform the surgery.

 

Laparoscopy leaves less scarring than traditional surgery because of the smaller incisions, and there is also less pain, blood loss and recovery time necessary for dermoid cyst patients.

 

Additionally, a very small percentage of dermoid cysts, about two percent, can be cancerous, or malignant. These dermoid cysts usually occur in women over the age of 40 and need to be removed with surgery.

 

A medical professional can use a CT scan or MRI to detect the presence of dermoid cysts and will have information on symptom control, treatment options, risks involved and surgery options. Regular checkups and the monitoring of the size and shape of the dermoid cyst may be recommended before any action, such as treatment or surgery, is necessary or taken.

 

Limiting strenuous activity that could rupture an ovarian dermoid cyst may be necessary in some cases.

 

 

Huang, Ben (2005). Dermoid Cyst Removal. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the eMedicineHealth Web site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dermoid_cyst_removal/
article_em.htm.