Acne, Pimples and Skin Disorders |
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Dermoid Cyst, Causes, Symptoms, Dermoid Cyst Treatment
A dermoid cyst develops from a totipotential germ cell
as a pocket or cavity under the skin that contains tissues normally present in the outer layers of the skin and the cell is retained within the egg sac (ovary).
Because this kind of a cyst (a cyst is an isolated mass with no drainage tracts) grows progressively, you child's doctor will refer you to a pediatric surgeon for further evaluation. Dermoid cysts may occur at any age but the prime age of detection is in the childbearing years.
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.
Dermoid cysts can range in size from a centimeter (less than a half inch) up to 45 cm (about 17 inches) in diameter and are usually found on the head or neck, and sometimes on the face.
Dermoid cysts are diagnosed by physical examination. These cysts can cause the ovary to twist (torsion) and imperil its blood supply.
A child with this kind of cyst may undergo diagnostic imaging studies such as an ultrasound of the neck to determine whether the thyroid gland is in its normal position.
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.
Specific treatment of a dermoid cyst will be determined by your child's physician on the basis of your child condition.
For functional cysts a "watch and wait" approach is taken. Functional cysts tend to dissolve over time and treatment is not needed.
Causes a dermoid cyst
A dermoid cyst is a congenital defect (present from birth) that occurs during embryonic development when the skin layers do not properly grow together.
They generally change in size and shape and are often first detected after an upper respiratory tract infection, which causes enlargement of the mass. Most branchial cleft cysts are located in front of the stenocleidomastoid muscle in the lower neck and they may have an external opening or pore from which drains a mucus-like material.
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 cyst
Every patient may experience symptoms differently.
The symptoms of a dermoid cyst may resemble other neck masses or medical problems.
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.
Treatment of a dermoid cyst
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the condition
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
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