A dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that can occurs in female’s during their reproductive years. It is a strange type of tumor that consists of other body tissues normally found in hair, teeth or bones. Generally it is not cancerous. This type of cyst may develop growths that may be recognized as teeth or hair. Essentially a dermoid cyst can contain different types of tissues, and this characteristic of it has confused doctors for a long time. However, the fact is that they are quite common to the point where about 33% of benign ovarian tumors are of this type.
Often there are no symptoms with a dermoid cyst and it may only be discovered during an annual pelvic exam. However, sometimes this cyst can grow to be quite large and twist, which in turns results in extreme pain in the abdomen and pelvis. Ovarian cyst removal is usually recommend for this growth once it is found. This is typically done by a small incision via laparoscopy but it depends on the size and the location of the cyst at the time of removal.
When the dermoid cyst is removed it typically does not have any impact on fertility. The most common side effect is only cosmetic in terms of scar tissue that can happen in just about any invasive surgery. If the cyst is large, part of the ovary may need to be removed but this normally does not affect normal ovulation and therefore fertility is not hampered. In rare cases, fertility may be impaired when the ovary has no normal tissue left behind. However with modern medical and surgical procedures this is not something to be worried about.
One of the reasons it is vital to have the dermoid cyst removed once it is discovered is that approximately two percent of these types of cysts can become cancerous. Therefore it is vital to have it removed and then examined for any cancerous activity. In addition, if the dermoid cyst becomes very large it can rupture. Internal hemorrhage of the oily substance contained within the cyst can cause severe pain.
If you have been diagnosed with a dermoid cyst schedule to have it removed right away with your doctor. While 98 percent of these cysts are non-cancerous there is still a small percentage that could be cancerous. Removal will also allow you to remain free from worry about any possibility of experiencing pain caused by a ruptured cyst.
While dermoid cysts are very unique and somewhat freakish, they are actually very common and easily removed which normally does not affect fertility. Since no ovarian cyst symptoms are seen, be sure to visit your doctor for an annual pelvic exam to catch any cyst development at the earliest possible stage.
Sign up for a FREE 10 day mini-course on ovarian cyst removal and ovarian cyst symptoms at http://www.eliminateovariancystsandpcos.com.