A dermoid cyst occurs when normal cells accumulate under the skin in a pocket called a sac. Cysts are bumps that usually contain fluid, and dermoid cysts are always going to be skin-related, growing under or around the skin.
Dermoid cysts often contain fluid but may also encompass hair, skin, bone, nerves, and sweat glands. They can grow anywhere on the body. Dermoid cysts that are closer to the surface of the skin may look smaller while the ones deeper inside the body might give a more alarming appearance.
These cysts are rarely harmful, and while surgery is required to remove them, they usually pose no threat.
The most common types of dermoid cysts are:
While more rare types of dermoid cysts include:
It’s possible to be diagnosed with a dermoid cyst at any age, but dermoid cysts are most commonly diagnosed in children aged 5.
Common symptoms of dermoid cysts include:
The symptoms occur with different types of dermoid cysts. For example, difficulty walking would occur with a spinal dermoid cyst. Some people have no symptoms, and some develop symptoms as the cyst continues to grow.
Dermoid cysts are present when you’re born. When the layers of your skin don’t develop correctly in certain places, a dermoid cyst forms. Usually, all of the components of your skin collect together in one sac instead of layering neatly, as most of your skin does.
When glands are collected in the sac, it produces fluid, causing the cyst to grow. This happens when babies are still in the womb. There are no known risk factors for dermoid cysts.
If your healthcare provider suspects your child has a dermoid cyst, they’ll do a thorough physical exam and ask about recent symptoms and medical history.
A healthcare provider will try to locate the cyst and examine the area around it, if visible. They will probably order a computerised tomography (CT) scan or pelvic ultrasound to visualise the cyst and make a definitive diagnosis.
Complications from dermoid cysts include decreased quality of life, inflammation of the body’s tissues, damage to bones, twisting of the ovaries, infection, injury to the nerves, bowel obstruction, and abscess. These complications usually arise due to a ruptured dermoid cyst.
Dermoid cysts always require surgery. Surgery is always as non-invasive as possible. Removal of your dermoid cyst will reduce the chances that you have symptoms in the future.