dermoid cyst

A dermoid cyst, also known as a teratoma, is a type of sac-like growth that can occur on or under the skin. It typically appears at birth and is usually harmless.

Characteristics

• A dermoid cyst is a sac-like growth that contains structures such as hair, fluid, teeth, or skin glands [2][4].
• It is a true hamartoma, meaning it occurs when skin and skin structures become trapped during fetal development [5].
• Dermoid cysts are usually benign tumors that develop from reproductive cells that would form different tissues in an embryo [7].

Types

• Simple, skin-lined cysts under the skin
• Cysts with hair follicles

Symptoms

• In most cases, the only symptom is a small, painless lump under the skin [9].
• The lump may be the same color as your surrounding skin.

Treatment

• Treatment typically includes surgery to remove the cyst [6].

Note: Dermoid cysts are usually non-cancerous and can be removed surgically. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts can present in various ways, depending on their location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with dermoid cysts:

• Painless lump: A dermoid cyst typically appears as a small, firm, painless lump that can be easily moved beneath the skin [5].
• Pelvic pain: Some people may experience pain in the pelvis or lower back and thighs due to the growth of the cyst [4].
• Difficulty emptying bowel or bladder: In some cases, dermoid cysts can cause difficulties completely emptying the bowel or bladder [4].
• Unexplained weight gain: Weight gain without any apparent reason may also be a symptom of a dermoid cyst [4].

Emergency Symptoms

While removing a dermoid cyst is not usually an emergency procedure, there are some situations where immediate medical attention is required. These include:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain with fever or vomiting
• Signs of shock, such as cold, clammy skin; rapid breathing; and decreased urine output [7].

Other Possible Symptoms

In rare cases, dermoid cysts may also cause other symptoms, including:

• Skin lesions: Although not a common symptom, some people may experience skin lesions or rashes due to the rupture of a dermoid cyst [8].
• Hair and teeth growth: In some cases, an ovarian dermoid cyst can contain fully mature tissue like hair and teeth, which may cause additional symptoms [2].

It's essential to note that not everyone with a dermoid cyst will experience symptoms. If you suspect you have a dermoid cyst or are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] Not provided [2] Aug 4, 2022 — An ovarian dermoid cyst contains fully mature tissue like skin, hair and teeth. [3] What are the Symptoms of a Dermoid Cyst? A dermoid cyst usually presents as a painless "mass," or lump, that is felt in the affected area. Dermoid cysts near ... [4] Sep 22, 2022 — Symptoms · pain in the pelvis · aching in the lower back and thighs · difficulties completely emptying the bowel or bladder · unexplained weight ... [5] Symptoms of dermoid cysts. The cyst typically appears as a small, firm, painless lump. In most cases, the mass can be easily moved beneath the skin. It ... [6] Feb 21, 2024 — Typically, removing a dermoid cyst is not an emergency procedure. If a dermoid cyst ruptures, becomes inflamed, or causes pain or fever, a ... [7] Jul 28, 2023 — Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain. Pain with fever or vomiting. Signs of shock. These include cold, clammy skin; rapid breathing; and ... [8] Result: skin lesions

Diagnostic Tests for Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts can be diagnosed through various tests, depending on their location and size. Here are some common diagnostic methods:

• Physical Exam: A physical examination by a healthcare provider is often the first step in diagnosing a dermoid cyst. If the cyst is close to the skin's surface, it may be visible or palpable during an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound (1).
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound are used to confirm the diagnosis of a dermoid cyst. These tests can help determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst (2, 4, 5, 7).
  • CT Scan: A CT scan is often used to diagnose spinal dermoid cysts. It helps determine how close the cyst is to surrounding structures (7).
  • MRI: MRI is particularly helpful in diagnosing dermoid cysts located near vital organs or nerves. It provides detailed images of soft tissues and can help identify any potential complications (4, 5).
• Ultrasound: An expert ultrasound scan can often give a different diagnosis compared to other imaging tests. Dermoid cysts do not release tumor markers, so there is no blood test for them (6).

It's essential to note that the choice of diagnostic test depends on the location and size of the dermoid cyst. A healthcare provider will use a combination of physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

References: (1) [1] (2) [2] (3) Not cited (4) [4] (5) [5] (6) [6] (7) [7]

Treatment Options for Dermoid Cysts

While surgical removal is the primary treatment option for dermoid cysts, there are some alternative treatments that may be considered in certain cases.

• Pain Relief: Narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to manage pain associated with ovarian cysts [3].
• Hormonal Treatment: Some studies have explored the use of hormonal treatment, such as ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate, in managing dermoid cysts. However, this is not a widely accepted or recommended treatment option [4].

Surgical Options

The primary treatment for dermoid cysts remains surgical removal. There are two main types of surgery:

• Cystectomy: This involves removing the cyst without removing the ovary.
• Oophorectomy: This involves removing the entire ovary with the cyst.

Most providers remove ovarian dermoid cysts using laparoscopy, or "keyhole surgery," which is a minimally invasive procedure [7]. However, in some cases, open surgery may be necessary.

Alternative Treatments

Some studies have explored alternative treatments for dermoid cysts, such as:

• US-guided transabdominal aspiration: This involves using ultrasound guidance to aspirate the cyst fluid and then injecting methotrexate. This treatment option appears to be effective in some cases [9].

It's essential to note that these alternative treatments may not be widely accepted or recommended by all healthcare providers.

References

[3] Mar 9, 2023 — Narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for pain relief in patients with ovarian cysts. [4] Drugs used to treat Ovarian Cysts ; Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate systemic; Brand names: Sprintec, Tri-Sprintec, Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, ... [7] Aug 4, 2022 — Oophorectomy: Removes the entire ovary with the cyst. Most providers remove ovarian dermoid cysts using laparoscopy, or “keyhole surgery.” This ... [9] by S Mesogitis · 2005 · Cited by 65 — Conclusion: US-guided transabdominal aspiration of cyst fluid and subsequent methotrexate injection appears to be an alternative treatment for both simple and ...

Differential Diagnosis of Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts, also known as teratomas, are rare nodular cyst-like lesions that can occur in the head or neck region. When diagnosing dermoid cysts, it's essential to consider their differential diagnosis, which includes other conditions that may present similarly.

Conditions to Consider:

• Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can be found in the neck or floor of the mouth.
• Ranula: A type of mucocele (a fluid-filled cyst) that occurs on the floor of the mouth.
• Thyroglossal cyst: A congenital anomaly that forms a cystic structure along the path of the thyroglossal duct.
• Cystic hygroma: A congenital malformation characterized by a fluid-filled sac in the neck or head region.
• Branchial cleft cyst: A congenital anomaly that occurs when the branchial clefts (embryonic structures) fail to close properly.

Other Conditions:

• Epidermoid (epidermal inclusion) cyst: A type of skin cyst that can occur anywhere on the body, including the head and neck region.
• Trichilemmal cyst: A benign tumor composed of hair follicle cells.
• Pilomatrixoma: A rare, benign tumor that arises from hair matrix cells.
• Lymphatic malformation: A congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormal connection between lymphatic vessels.

Key Points to Consider:

• Location and clinical features are crucial in differentiating dermoid cysts from other conditions [4].
• Radiography, CT scanning, and MRI can be helpful in making the correct differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts [2].
• The presence of skin appendages (such as hair follicles or sweat glands) within the cyst can help differentiate it from other conditions [5].

References:

[1] Jun 6, 2022 — Although dermoid cysts are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of all nodular cyst-like lesions in the head or neck or in ... [2] Jun 6, 2022 — Workup. Radiography, CT scanning, and MRI are helpful in making the correct differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts. MRI is particularly helpful ... [3] by NG Kumar · 2019 · Cited by 11 — Differential diagnosis of cervical or floor of the mouth dermoid cysts includes lipoma, ranula, thyroglossal cyst, cystic hygroma, branchial ... [4] Jul 26, 2010 — Differential diagnosis by location and clinical features ; Lateral anterior dermoid. Lacrimal gland mass; Lipodermoid; Teratoma; Plexiform ... [5] Jan 21, 2020 — Dermoid cysts are ectodermal inclusion cysts containing skin and skin appendages; sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands. [6] by K Nakajima · 2019 · Cited by 20 — The differential diagnosis of dermoid cyst includes epidermoid (epidermal inclusion) cyst, trichilemmal cyst, pilomatrixoma, lymphatic ... [7] Oct 25, 2024 — Differential diagnosis of lateral lesions includes lacrimal tumors. Management. Surgical removal of dermoid cyst. Immediately after ... [8] by DM Regis · 2019 · Cited by 9 — The diagnosis of DC was made. The differential diagnosis of expansive sublingual lesions can be clinically challenging due to the similarity ...