Dermoid cysts are present at birth and contain tissues and structures found on the skin’s surface. They can occur in various areas of the body and are usually painless. Diagnosis and treatment may require a CT or MRI scan and surgery, depending on the location of the cyst.
A dermoid cyst is a type of cyst that exists at the time a person is born. It is a sac-like pocket or cavity contained under the skin, characterized by having tissues and structures typically found on the outside of the skin, such as fluid, hair, skin, and teeth. Dermoid cysts develop from a birth defect that inhibits the skin layers ability to grow together while a fetus is in the womb. Cysts contain epithelium, an ingredient that helps skin oil, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands develop and function. As the body grows, the cyst follows suit, causing a collection of these tissues and cells to build up in the sac-like structure.
While technically present at a person’s birth, a dermoid cyst isn’t always visible in infancy. However, it will continue to grow gradually until it becomes visible, during childhood or early adulthood. Areas where a dermoid cyst can occur include the inside of the skull, face, neck, lower back, and ovaries. Regardless of the patient’s age and the size of the dermoid cyst, the cyst should not be tender unless it has been damaged or ruptured.
Individual symptoms vary from patient to patient. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a dermoid cyst to present as another medical problem, such as a neck injury. Typically, a dermoid cyst is painless. Its color can mirror a person’s skin tone or be slightly tinged with yellow. The skin over the lump, as well as the lump itself, can easily move when touched.
Doctor’s diagnosis is usually required before treatment is given. During the early stages of diagnosis, a person’s medical history will be taken and a physical exam will be performed. If the cyst is on the head or neck, a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure will be done to determine how the cyst exists in relation to other tissues in the patient’s head and neck.
If removal is deemed necessary, surgery may be recommended. Removing the cyst from the face is the least complicated procedure and can be done in a doctor’s office. If a dermoid cyst occurs in a rarer area, such as in the brain, sinuses, ovaries, or spinal cord, removal may require the patient to be hospitalized. However, the recovery results, even in extremely sensitive areas such as the spinal cord, are very good.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
