Dermoid cysts: Classifications, extraction methods, and additional details
Article: Understanding Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts are a type of benign tumor that can develop in various parts of the body, with the ovaries being the most common site. However, they can also be found in the head and neck region, midline structures, and other areas such as the nasal cavities and sinuses.
Common Locations of Dermoid Cysts
Approximately 7% of dermoid cysts occur in the head and neck region. They may appear along the midline of the body, including the occiput (back of the head), lumbar spine, parasellar area, spinal canal, and pineal region. Around 11% of dermoid cysts in the head and neck area will be in the nasal region.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Dermoid cysts often present as slow-growing, painless cystic masses. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the cyst’s location and size. When located intracranially, symptoms can include hearing loss, vertigo, facial pain, hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, gaze abnormalities, weakness, personality changes, or signs of hydrocephalus due to compression of brain structures. In the nasal region, symptoms may include a blocked or runny nose, and back pain is a common symptom when the cyst is located in the lumbar spine.
Doctors can often diagnose dermoid cysts with a physical exam, but may recommend imaging tests for deeper cysts or those near sensitive areas.
Treatment and Outlook
Untreated dermoid cysts can cause complications such as rupture, infection, abscesses, meningitis, and bone marrow inflammation. Therefore, doctors usually perform surgery to remove dermoid cysts, and the outlook is good, with the cysts not typically growing back again. Surgeries for dermoid cysts in the head, face, and neck region can often be performed under local anesthetic, either in an office or as an outpatient procedure. However, surgeries for dermoid cysts in other locations, such as the brain, ovaries, or spine, may require a hospital stay and general anesthetic.
Prevention and Risks
Dermoid cysts form while a fetus is developing inside the uterus, and there is no known prevention method. Rarely, dermoid cysts can extend into a person's brain or spine, and a few case studies suggest they may become cancerous. Dermoid cysts that are tangled with or stuck to other parts of the body have a slim chance of recurring.
Anyone who has a lump for 2 weeks or more should contact a doctor, and immediate medical help is needed if the cyst changes color or bursts.
In conclusion, dermoid cysts are a common type of benign tumor that can develop in various parts of the body. While they are usually slow-growing and painless, it is essential to seek medical attention if a lump is present for more than two weeks, as untreated dermoid cysts can cause complications.
- If a cyst is found in the nasal region, it may cause symptoms like a blocked or runny nose.
- In pediatrics, surgeries for dermoid cysts in the head, face, and neck region can often be performed under local anesthetic.
- Cancerous dermoid cysts are rare, but a few case studies suggest they may extend into a person's brain or spine, potentially becoming malignant.
- Skin care is important for overall health-and-wellness, but dermoid cysts form while a fetus is developing, so there is no known prevention method.
