Dermoid ovarian cysts or cystic teratoma is a relatively rare and very curious growth in the ovaries. And yes, dermoid ovarian cysts really do have teeth in them! Not just teeth either, this type of cyst may have traces of:

* Mature skin
* Long hair
* Teeth
* Sebum glands (the oil secreting glands of hair follicles)
* Bones
* Eyes
* Cartilage
* Fat
* Thyroid tissue
* Nails
* Blood

Basically, everything found in a human body can be lumped up in this cyst and encased in skin tissue. Without doubt dermoid ovarian cysts, or I should say all dermoid cysts because they can present in multiple areas of the body, are the most weird cyst a person can have. Strange though they are dermoid ovarian cysts are almost always benign because the tissue which forms the cyst is mature tissue. For example the skin found in a dermoid cyst is mature skin with hair follicles and sweat glands.

Dermoid ovarian cysts can occur at any age but are typically found in women of childbearing age between 15 and 40 years and as stated, are usually benign. Treatment of a benign dermoid ovarian cyst will usually involve laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthetic, to remove the cyst. It is not considered urgent when the cyst is intact and benign. This procedure has an extremely high success rate and leaves the woman with very minimal scarring.

It is probable for dermoid ovarian cysts to rupture or become malignant but the incidence is rare, particularly for malignancy. Generally the cyst is benign and does not cause complications. In theory the cyst could stay put in the ovaries without causing harm but this cyst in particular, with it's unique material make-up, is one most women want removed.

In the rare instance that a rupture occurs grave complications can result and emergency treatment should be sought. If cancer is found the treatment is dependant on the stage and size of the cancer cells, as it is with other cancers, but it is important to remember these are very rare complications.

A dermoid cyst can be seen in the ovary with the various types of tissues like hair, skin, teeth and fat. It can be seen in one or both the ovaries. In general, the dermoid cysts are small and do not create symptoms till it grows larger. Very rarely these cysts twist and cause unbearable pain during which time surgery on emergency basis has to be undertaken.





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