Ovarian dermoid cyst

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Your body grows from the moment you are conceived. While growing, some parts may not catch up with the speed and thus fall behind. One such example is when your new skin forms in the fetal stage. There are multiple layers of skin. Some layers may grow slowly. These slow-growing skin layers get trapped in between the other layers and form small bags with empty spaces. A dermoid cyst ovary is a rare but typically benign tumor containing various tissue types, including hair, teeth, and skin.

Hair, teeth, or any liquid from your body gets trapped in these bags accidentally. The skin bags containing these materials can be named cysts. When you are growing inside your mother’s womb, you will have some special cells. They grow later into ovaries. Anything from your body can accidentally get trapped in the empty bags.

In This Article

Even the ovary cells are no exception. Those empty skin bags with ovary cells inside are called ovarian dermoid cysts. All these things happen way before you are even born. The cysts grow as the years pass by. By the time you realize you have a cyst, you will already be a grown-up young lady in her teenage years.

Derma means something related to skin. Thus, an ovarian dermoid cyst does not have any connection to your period cycle. It is purely skin-related and not dangerous. However, it can cause pain and other symptoms like stomach pain, bleeding higher than usual, pain during sex, pressure in the pelvic area, and accidental urination.

Ovarian dermoid cyst is a very common condition. It can become a problem if they grow, get bigger, and burst. As the cyst grows bigger, it affects the normal position of the ovaries. Ovaries may get twisted, and it is called ovarian torsion. You may experience severe pain, and at this stage, you will have to seek the medical help of a practitioner.

Ovarian Dermoid Cyst Causes:

The most common causes of ovarian cysts depend on whether or not you still have monthly cycles. Dermoid cyst ovary causes are primarily attributed to embryonic cell abnormalities during fetal development, leading to the inclusion of various tissue types within the cyst, and external factors or lifestyle choices do not typically influence them.

The most frequent causes of ovarian cysts in “premenopausal” women who still have monthly periods are as follows:

Ovulation: "Functional" ovarian cysts form when an egg-containing follicle (sac) matures but does not burst. These cysts typically go away on their own.
Dermoid cysts: Dermoid ovarian cysts are one of the most prevalent types of cysts in women between the ages of 20 and 40. They are also known as teratomas. The "germ cells" of the ovary make up a dermoid cyst, which can additionally include teeth, hair, or fat. Dermoid cysts are mostly benign; however, they can sporadically be malignant.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Ovarian cysts of various sizes are present in people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Although there is no need to remove or medicate these cysts, PCOS sufferers may require care for associated issues, including irregular periods.
Endometriosis: People who have endometriosis may develop an ovarian cyst known as an endometrioma, sometimes known as a "chocolate cyst.
Pregnancy: An ovarian cyst typically appears in the first trimester of pregnancy to support the developing fetus until the placenta takes shape. On rare occasions, the ovarian cyst might last well into the third trimester of pregnancy.
Severe pelvic infections: Ovaries and fallopian tubes may be affected by severe pelvic infections that have spread to them. As a result, cysts filled with pus that are close to the ovaries or fallopian tubes start to grow.
Cancer: Less than 1% of new growths on or near the ovary are connected to ovarian cancer, making it a relatively infrequent cause of ovarian cysts in women who have not yet reached menopause.

The most typical causes of ovarian cysts in women who are no longer menstruating (“postmenopausal”) include:

Ovarian dermoid cyst symptoms:

Both symptomatic ovarian cysts and asymptomatic ovarian cysts are possible. When symptoms do manifest, the cyst’s side frequently feels painful or pressurized in the lower abdomen. This discomfort could be subtle or acute, ongoing or intermittent. Usually, ovarian cysts do not result in acute or ongoing lower back pain. A quick, sharp ache that might be very painful can occur if an ovarian cyst ruptures. Ovarian torsion (twisting) can result in pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Unless they are particularly large, most ovarian dermoid cysts don’t show any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they will likely include stomach pressure, pain, or a feeling of fullness.

Less frequently, ovarian dermoid cyst symptoms include:

Ovarian cysts are typically unrelated to irregular periods or vaginal bleeding.

Ovarian dermoid cyst diagnosis:

During a pelvic examination, an ovarian cyst may occasionally be discovered or suspected. However, the diagnosis must be verified by an imaging test. According to the circumstances, tests for blood may also be conducted.

Imaging testing: A pelvic or "transvaginal" ultrasound is the imaging test that is most frequently employed. In order to take photos of your ovary and its surroundings, a probe must be inserted into the vagina. This reveals details on the cyst's dimensions, location, and other crucial features. It is also occasionally necessary to use a CT (computed tomography) scan or an MRI scan, but these procedures are less frequent.
Blood tests: Your doctor may prescribe blood tests to help identify the type of cyst you have if imaging tests reveal that you might have an ovarian cyst. Blood tests could consist of any or all of the following, depending on your circumstances.
Pregnancy testing: If there's a chance you could be pregnant, your doctor might advise you to undergo pregnancy testing (blood or urine). Pregnancy frequently results in ovarian cysts.
Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125): A test for cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is occasionally advised for people with ovarian cysts. A blood protein called CA 125 may increase in ovarian cancer patients. It's crucial to understand that ovarian cancer cannot be determined by the results of a CA 125 test. The non-cancerous illnesses endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic infections, cardiac failure, and liver and renal disease can also result in increased CA 125 levels. The CA 125 is, therefore, not always advised to be measured.

1.CA 125 is frequently advised if you have an ovarian cyst and are postmenopausal.

2.CA 125 may be advised if you are perimenopausal and have an ovarian cyst that on ultrasound, looks to be particularly big or suggestive of malignancy.

3.CA 125 is typically not advised if you are premenopausal, have small ovarian cysts, or don’t seem cancerous.

Other blood tests: Other blood tests might potentially be advised by your doctor.

Next actions: Your doctor may advise cautious waiting or surgery depending on your age, signs and symptoms, results of tests, and family history.

These are the various methods for ovarian dermoid cyst diagnosis.

Ovarian dermoid cyst treatment:

Any sort of ovarian dermoid cyst treatment can only be effectively done surgically. The type of dermoid cyst determines the method of surgery.

Ovarian dermoid cysts must be surgically removed in order to be treated, occasionally along with the afflicted ovary. The various choices depend on the cyst’s severity and your desire to bear children.

Ovarian cystectomy: Ovarian cystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that your doctor may perform to remove an ovarian dermoid cyst. You might need to have both your ovary and the cyst removed if the cyst is huge. The cyst-containing portion of the ovary is removed. This treatment removes the cyst while keeping your fertility intact.
Oophorectomy: The entire ovary is removed, including the cyst.

The majority of doctors perform “keyhole surgery,” or laparoscopy, to remove ovarian dermoid cysts. This kind of surgery entails making a series of small, well-placed abdominal incisions. If your cyst is particularly large, if you have cysts on both ovaries or if the cyst may be cancerous, your doctor may advise a separate procedure called a laparotomy. A laparotomy entails making a larger incision in your abdomen.

Based on your particular circumstances, your doctor may counsel you on your ideal surgical options.

Dermoid ovarian cyst surgery warning:

Before Surgery:

You can be instructed to stop using aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and other blood thinners.
Which medications should you continue to take for the duration of the procedure? Ask your doctor.
Discuss any potential bleeding conditions or other health issues you may be experiencing.
You will be asked to provide blood samples in case you need a blood transfusion.
Avoid smoking. You will heal more quickly if you do this.

The actual day of the procedure:

Following surgery:

Most people are able to return home that same day. Staying over for the night may be necessary in some circumstances
Prepare for some pain at the surgical site for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Depending on your level of energy, walking is recommended.
Most patients feel significantly improved in the initial few days following this operation, and recovery is swift.

What should be expected in the coming weeks regarding recovery?

The majority of women recover from surgery within the first week; nevertheless, for a few weeks, avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling any heavy objects.
Wait until your doctor provides the all-clear before starting your sexual life again.
In order to allow for internal healing, a full recovery takes roughly four to six weeks.

Consequences of removing an ovarian cyst:

Due to a number of factors, including the severity of your ailment, you could experience mild to severe side effects following the surgery. However, one of the less typical adverse effects that you could experience after surgery is lower abdominal discomfort. In addition, you may experience shoulder soreness, slight vaginal bleeding for 48 hours, etc.

Additionally, you can experience some days of fatigue; however, with the right food and care, you can recover in just a few days. It is important to see a doctor if you still think that the issues are persisting.

Side effects of removing ovarian cysts:

Side effects of dermoid cyst removal can include surgical complications like infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures such as the ovarian tissue. Patients should engage in a detailed discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of surgery to address dermoid cysts, keeping in mind that fertility concerns may occasionally arise.

You might experience certain negative effects following surgery. These ought to be mainly transitory and could consist of:
Bruising
Several days following surgery, you may have sensations of discomfort or pain in your lower abdomen.
Change out wet clothes as soon as possible after swimming or exercising to reduce water retention. Reduce your consumption of sugary meals and refined carbohydrates. To promote healthy vaginal flora, take probiotics or eat fermented foods.
Some shoulder discomfort
Sporadic vaginal bleeding lasting up to 48 hours
For a few days, I felt more exhausted than normal

Risks of not treating the disease:

These cysts can result in serious pelvic infections, endometriosis, hormone issues, and challenges during pregnancy if they persist and are not discovered and treated in a timely manner. A very uncommon potential is ovarian torsion, which, if untreated, might result in the deterioration of the ovarian tissue. If ovarian cysts are left untreated, they may rupture, which is an uncommon and potentially fatal disorder. The patient could experience internal bleeding as a result of the ruptured cysts.

Today, physicians employ a number of methods for the early detection and management of ovarian cysts. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, get in touch with physicians and speak with a team of top gynecologists right now!

How do you catch your cyst early?

A simple pelvic floor examination could be a start. It could be done by inserting your index finger into the vagina with a little lube. You have to press gently against the vaginal wall. If your pelvic floor strength is okay, then you will feel a squeeze around your index finger.

Prevention

The vast majority of ovarian cysts cannot be avoided. However, routine checkups make it feasible to identify modifications to your ovaries as soon as possible. Keep in mind that your monthly cycle may have changed. Menstrual symptoms that are unusual, particularly those that last for more than a few cycles, should be noted. Your healthcare practitioner should be informed of any changes that worry you.

Conclusion

Dermoid cysts are mostly benign; however, depending on their shape and position, some may result in difficulties. Consult your doctor about the best course of treatment in case you or someone you love has a dermoid cyst. A dermoid cyst can frequently be surgically removed by your doctor. Cyst removal can lessen the likelihood of developing symptoms later.

Ovarian Dermoid Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment