Dermoid cysts are benign tumors contains network skin, teeth and hair. Cysts can form anywhere on the body, but are more common on the face.
Dermoid cysts are formed due to abnormalities in fetal development. Therefore, dermoid cysts can often be seen immediately when the baby is born. In addition to forming on the skin, cysts can also form in the body, such as the uterus and spine. Cysts that form in the body are often not realized by the sufferer until the cyst causes disturbances and symptoms in adulthood.
Dermoid cysts generally grow slowly and are not malignant or cancerous. These cysts can be removed by surgery. Although they tend to be harmless, dermoid cysts can cause serious problems if they rupture and cause a bacterial infection.
Dermoid Cyst Symptoms
Dermoid cysts can grow anywhere on the body. But in many cases, dermoid cysts grow on the skin, especially on the skin of the face.
Dermoid cysts contain oil glands, sweat glands, hair, teeth, and other tissues that are commonly found in or on the surface of the skin. These cysts will appear as lumps that usually grow single, 0.5-6 cm in size, and are soft to the touch.
Dermoid cysts do not cause complaints. The pain only appears when the cyst is infected. In addition to pain, an infected dermoid cyst will look very red and swollen.
Dermoid cysts can also appear on internal organs. Symptoms that arise depend on the location of the growth of the lump. If a dermoid cyst grows in the uterus, the patient may experience symptoms such as pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.
Meanwhile, if dermoid cysts grow around the spine, sufferers can feel tingling in the legs, the legs become weak so it is difficult to walk, and unable to hold urine.
When to go to the doctor
An examination to the doctor is necessary if you find an abnormal lump in your body. Through a series of examinations, the doctor can determine the cause, and determine whether the lump is dangerous or not.
Immediately consult a doctor if the lump that appears causes pain, becomes inflamed, enlarges, and changes color. Emergency treatment is also needed if the cyst ruptures and causes severe pain.
Causes of Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts are formed due to skin structure that does not grow normally during fetal development. The skin structure that contains hair roots, sweat glands, and oil glands should be on the outer layer of the skin. However, in patients with dermoid cysts, these structures actually form cysts in the skin.
The glands and tissues within the cyst continue to secrete fluid. This is what causes dermoid cysts to grow and enlarge.
Dermoid Cyst Diagnosis
Dermoid cysts on the skin will appear as lumps. The doctor will assess the characteristics of the lump by looking and feeling it. To determine the type of lump or cyst, it is necessary to perform a tissue examination in the laboratory (biopsy). This action is also a treatment measure, because it requires a complete removal of the cyst.
If the cyst grows around the eye, near the neck veins, or in the spine area, the doctor will perform an MRI or CT scan to determine the risk of damage to the area around the cyst. Meanwhile, to check for dermoid cysts that grow in the uterus, the doctor will perform a pelvic ultrasound.
Dermoid Cyst Treatment
Treatment of a dermoid cyst aims to completely remove the cyst. It should be noted, treatment of dermoid cysts must be done by a doctor. Independent treatment is not recommended because there is a high risk of causing infection, bleeding, or the cyst will grow back.
The doctor will treat the dermoid cyst with surgical removal of the cyst. The surgical method used depends on where the cyst grows. For cysts on the skin, the doctor or surgeon will perform a small operation with a local anesthetic to remove the cyst.
In dermoid cysts that grow in the uterus, the treatment is done by surgery through the abdomen or using a special technique called laparoscopy with smaller incisions (the size of a keyhole).
Dermoid Cyst Complications
Complications of a dermoid cyst can result from the size and location of the cyst or from rupture of the cyst. Some of these complications are:
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking, if a dermoid cyst grows on the tongue.
- The formation of an abscess or collection of pus, due to an infected dermoid cyst.
- Continuous headaches, due to a ruptured dermoid cyst inside the head.
- Psychological disorders, if a dermoid cyst grows on the face (especially in children).
Dermoid Cyst Prevention
Dermoid cysts cannot be prevented because they occur as a result of abnormalities during fetal development. Although it cannot be prevented, dermoid cysts can be detected early before complications occur. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if a lump appears on the body.
Regular check-ups to the doctor can detect early dermoid cysts that grow on the inside of the body. If the cyst grows in the uterus, the obstetrician will perform a pelvic exam.