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.

Abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area can be caused if an ovarian cyst begins to twist or even burst and is often the most common sign that a woman has Dermoid cysts on or in the ovaries. Unfortunately nearly all types of ovarian cysts have the same types of symptoms and a accurate determination can only be made with a proper exam by your doctor before possible surgical options should be discussed.

Dermoid cysts, like other types of complex ovarian cysts, should be monitored. All women should be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cysts, and check with their doctors whenever they experience these symptoms. The removal of a dermoid cyst does not affect a woman's fertility nor does it have any complications during a pregnancy. Nevertheless, individuals must take care of themselves after surgery in order to prevent the formation of scar tissue.