Have you ever been scared when you saw a small lump near your baby's eye? Or maybe you've noticed a small lump somewhere on your body that hasn't been there for a long time? Sometimes we get really scared when we see things like this. But not all of these lumps are cancerous or serious. Today we're talking about one such condition, which is often harmless, but is worth knowing about. It's called a dermoid cyst.
What is a Dermoid Cyst?
Simply put, a dermoid cyst is a tumor that forms inside a small sac, like a small bag, of normal tissue in our body. This can occur close to the surface of the skin, or sometimes deep inside the body. Imagine that when our body is developing, that is, while we are in our mother's womb, some cells that should belong to the skin mistakenly get stuck somewhere else inside the body, and a small sac forms around it. This is called a dermoid cyst. You may be surprised to hear what can be inside this sac. It often contains a yellowish substance that looks like oil. But in addition, it can also contain these things:
It's like a collection of things that should be growing somewhere else in the body and 'packed' together in one place. Although it may seem scary to think it's a tumor, dermoid cysts are
often benign . That means they're not cancerous. But they don't go away on their own. They usually have to be removed surgically.
Where can these cysts form? What are the main types?
Although dermoid cysts can occur anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the head and neck. Let's take a look at the main types.
Common Types Rarer Types
| Cyst Type | Location and brief description |
|---|
| Periorbital Dermoid Cyst | This is the most common type. It occurs on the back of the eyebrow, near the brow bone. It is very common among young children. |
| Ovarian Dermoid Cyst | As the name suggests, this occurs either inside a woman's ovary or on the surface of the ovary. |
| Spinal Dermoid Cyst | This type of tumor develops in the spine. When it gets bigger, it can press on the nerves in the spine. |
| Epibulbar Dermoid Cyst | A type that forms on the surface of the eye, that is, on the white of the eye. |
| Intracranial Dermoid Cyst | This occurs inside the brain. This is something that is very rare. |
| Nasal Sinus Dermoid Cyst | A type that forms inside the nose. |
Who gets dermoid cysts? What causes them?
Although this condition can occur in anyone, it is most commonly diagnosed in
children under the age of 5. Sometimes, the cyst can be seen at birth. The reason for this is that it
is congenital . This means that it occurs due to a small mistake that occurs when the layers of the body's skin come together during the first stages of the baby's growth in the mother's womb. Things like skin cells and glands get trapped inside the body, and over time, the cyst gradually grows larger as secretions are released from those glands. So this is not something that is due to the fault of the mother or father. Don't worry about it.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
Many people with dermoid cysts do not show any symptoms. Symptoms appear only after the cyst has grown a little larger. The symptoms also vary depending on the location of the cyst.
| The location of the cyst | Symptoms that can be seen |
|---|
| Near the eyeball (Periorbital) | It feels like a small lump under the skin. Sometimes the area may swell and look yellow. Over time, the shape of the surrounding bones may change slightly. |
| Ovarian | You may experience lower abdominal pain, especially during menstruation. |
| Spinal | This is a condition that requires some attention. As the cyst grows, it can press on the spinal cord or nerves in the spine. Then, symptoms such as: - Difficulty walking - Weakness in the arms and legs - Difficulty controlling urine (Urinary incontinence) |
How does a doctor accurately diagnose a dermoid cyst?
When you or your baby goes to a doctor, they will first ask you about your symptoms and then order tests depending on the location of the cyst.
- Physical exam : First, if the tumor is close to the skin, the doctor will physically examine it and see what its condition is.
- Scans ( CT scan or MRI ): A CT scan (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may be ordered to see exactly where the tumor is, what's inside it, and whether it's near a sensitive area like the brain or a large blood vessel. If it's a cyst in the spine, these scans can also help see if it's near a nerve.
- Ultrasound scan: If you have an ovarian cyst, a painless ultrasound scan is usually done to look at it. Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound may also be done.
What are the treatments for this?
The only successful treatment for a dermoid cyst is surgery.
The only treatment is to completely remove the tumor through surgery. These cannot be cured by taking medication.
The type of surgery performed varies depending on the location of the cyst.
- Cysts near the eyelid (Periorbital): These are usually very simple surgeries. They are removed easily with local anesthetic, a small incision, and careful stitching, so there is no major scar.
- Ovarian cyst: In the case of an ovarian cyst, in most cases, only the cyst can be removed without causing any damage to the ovary, using a minimally invasive surgery (ovarian cystectomy) . However, if the cyst is very large, it may be necessary to remove the ovary along with it.
- Spinal Cysts: If you are removing a cyst in your spine, be very careful. This surgery is done using a special technique called microsurgery , using a microscope and very fine instruments. During this surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia.
What happens if left untreated? Are there any risks?
In most cases, an untreated dermoid cyst will not cause any significant harm. However, over time, especially as the cyst grows larger, complications can occur.
- Infection .
- Rupture of the cyst.
- Damage to surrounding bones .
- If in the spine, damage to the nerves .
- If it is in the ovary, it is called Ovarian Torsion . This is an emergency.
Therefore, it is safest to have this cyst surgically removed. This can not only control the symptoms but also prevent future complications.
What are the best times to see the doctor?
If you or your baby has a lump like this, if you develop new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen,
be sure to see a doctor. In particular, be aware of the following:
If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU): * The area where the tumor is located is swollen, red, and very painful.(These may be signs of infection). * If the lump changes color or suddenly grows rapidly . * If the lump feels like it is bursting . * If there is severe, unbearable pain .
Since this condition is congenital, there is no way for us to prevent it from developing. The best thing to do is to seek medical advice as soon as you notice something like this.
Take-Home Message
- Dermoid cysts are a type of congenital tumor that is usually harmless. They are not cancerous.
- These may contain tissue from other parts of the body, such as hair and teeth. This is normal, don't worry.
- These do not go away on their own. The only treatment is to completely remove them through surgery.
- If you notice a new lump on your body or your baby's body, the best thing to do is not to panic and show it to a doctor to find out exactly what it is.
- If a lump becomes painful, swollen, red, or suddenly gets bigger, don't ignore it. See a doctor right away.
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