|
|
|
|
|
Acne Help (Home) > Common Skin Disorders > Dermoid Cyst Dermoid Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and TreatmentA dermoid cyst develops from a totipotential germ cell (a primary oocyte) that is retained within the egg sac (ovary). Being totipotential, that cell can give rise to all orders of cells necessary to form mature tissues and often recognizable structures such as hair, bone and sebaceous (oily) material, neural tissue and teeth. Dermoid cysts may occur at any age but the prime age of detection is in the childbearing years. The average age is 30. Up to 15% of women with ovarian teratomas have them in both ovaries. Dermoid cysts can range in size from a centimeter (less than a half inch) up to 45 cm (about 17 inches) in diameter. These cysts can cause the ovary to twist (torsion) and imperil its blood supply. The larger the dermoid cyst, the greater the risk of rupture with spillage of the greasy contents which can create problems with adhesions, pain etc. Although the large majority (about 98%) of these tumors are benign, the remaining fraction (about 2%) becomes cancerous (malignant). Causes a dermoid cystA dermoid cyst is a congenital defect (present from birth) that occurs during embryonic development when the skin layers do not properly grow together. A dermoid cyst is lined with epithelium, which contains tissues and cells normally present in skin layers, including hair follicles, sebaceous (skin oil), and sweat glands. These glands and tissues secrete their normal substances, which collect inside the cyst, causing it to grow and enlarge. Symptoms of a dermoid cystThe following are the most common symptoms of a dermoid cyst. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include a small, often painless, lump in the mid-line of the neck (in which the skin over the lump can easily be moved). The lump may be skin-colored, or may have a slight yellow tinge. The symptoms of a dermoid cyst may resemble other neck masses or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Dermoid Cyst DiagnosingDermoid cysts are diagnosed by physical examination. Generally, the mass can be easily moved beneath the skin. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures to determine if the cyst is connected to other tissues in the head and neck may include: CT ScanIts abbreviated from of Computed Tomography scan also called as CAT scan. It is a Diagnostic imaging procedure in which there is a combination of x-rays and computer Technology for producing cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body MRIIts abbreviated from of Magnetic resonance imaging. It is a Diagnostic procedure in which there is a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. Treatment of a dermoid cystYour child's physician based on will determine specific treatment of a dermoid cyst:
Treatment may include surgery to remove the cyst.
|
Bookmark This Page: Add to Favorites Add to Del.icio.us Send to a Friend Resources: |
|||||||||||||||
