Dermoid Cysts Overview

September 6, 2008

by Jay Taylor

Dermoid cysts can occur in any person, regardless of race, sex, and age. Dermoid cysts in the ovary, of course, occur only among women. Dermoid cysts in the face, neck, or scalp, however, are usually present at birth and clearly visible.

A dermoid cyst usually occurs in the ovaries. These cysts are usually seen in women of childbearing age, from their 20s until about age 40, but can occur in women of any age. These complex cysts, which develop from totipotential germ cells, often contain tissue such as hair or teeth, or even bone tissue. Dermoid cysts can appear on the scalp, face, or neck and on either or both ovaries. They may need to be surgically removed when found on the ovaries if they cause severe pain or circumvent blood flow to the ovaries.

The dermoid or mature teratoma is a tumor on the ovaries that is benign. Dermoids are a fairly common occurrence. They very rarely are cancerous, and make up approximately 50% of all benign ovarian tumors. One or two percent of all dermoid cyst occurrences prove cancerous, with the majority of these being in women older than forty.

The early stages of a dermoid cyst determine whether or not it will eventually lead to cancer. In general, dermoid cysts are not often cancerous — cancerous dermoid cysts are labeled as immature teratomas. There is little to no chance of a dermoid cyst that has generated hair, muscle fibers or other matter becoming cancerous.

It usually requires a routine pelvic exam for a doctor to find out that a patient has a dermoid cyst growing on the ovaries. Most times causing the patient no symptoms what so ever, they can on occasion twist and even rupture causing quite a bit of pain in the pelvic area and abdomen. In order to prevent any future problems associated with dermoid cysts on the ovaries they should be removed by a surgeon. If they are allowed to grow unchecked dermoid cysts on the ovaries can cause the condition peritonitis that can cause irritation and significant pain in the abdominal area.

The most common and telling symptom is abdominal or pelvic pain, which may indicate an ovarian cyst that is either bursting or twisting. In this case, the ovarian cyst is usually surgically removed. A dermoid cyst can only be identified as such as by a doctor and does not usually present any symptoms different from any other type of ovarian cyst.

The symptoms of ovarian cysts are something every woman should be aware of, and any time she experiences these symptoms, she should consult a doctor. Any ovarian cyst that has the potential to turn complex should be watched carefully, and this includes a dermoid cyst. Removing a dermoid cyst has no impact on fertility and will not cause pregnancy complications. Still, patients need to perform good self care post-surgery to keep scar tissue form forming.

About the Author:

Read more free articles concerning ovarian cysts here http://ovariancystfacts.com/ and Learn How to Cure Yourself of Dermoid Cysts and other types of ovarian cysts naturally.

Article Source: http://www.ezineonair.com

Share and Enjoy: