What to know about dermoid cysts

A dermoid cyst is a sac of cells containing tissues that are usually present on the skin’s surface. They form during fetal development and grow slowly, so a person may not notice them until late childhood or adulthood. Dermoid cysts are usuallyTrusted Source noncancerous, or benign. While doctors do not know exactly why they occur, all dermoid cysts are congenital, meaning a person has them from birth. The cysts may continue to grow slowly, and people need surgery to remove them. A dermoid cyst is a small sac of cells that is present from birth. It is a type of benign tumor. Skin cells grow inside the cyst, complete with hair follicles and glands that secrete sweat and oil. The skin cells inside the cyst grow and multiply just like external ones, but the dead cells and old secretions build up inside. Over time, the cyst grows and can encroach into nearby bones, nerves, or organs. People usually discover most dermoid cysts during childhood before the age of 5 yearsTrusted Source, but they can remain unnoticed until adulthood. Dermoid cysts usually grow in the head, face, and neck region, but they can form anywhere in the body. They appear as dome-shaped lumps just under the skin. MostTrusted Source dermoid cysts occur in the periorbital region, the area around the eye socket. Many people get them along the outer edge of one eyebrow. More rarely, dermoid cysts can grow in the nasal cavities and sinuses. A 2020 studyTrusted Source estimates that around 11% of dermoid cysts in the head and neck area will be in the nasal region. Dermoid cysts can also grow on a person’s ovaries. A 2016 study explains that, although ovarian dermoid cysts are present from birth, doctors may not discover them until the person is 20–40 years old. Rarely, dermoid cysts can growTrusted Source or extend into a person’s brain or spine. ADVERTISEMENT Manage your mental health from anywhere Speak to BetterHelp’s licensed therapists about your mental health by video sessions or live chats to receive ongoing care. Plans start at $60 per week + 10% off your first month. Symptoms The symptoms depend on where the cyst is. MostTrusted Source dermoid cysts grow slowly and appear as a lump underneath the skin. However, if they push against a bone, they can make it grow irregularly. Periorbital dermoid cysts may appearTrusted Source as a painless bump on the eyebrow. The eye area may inflame and swell if the cysts burst or become infected. People with dermoid cysts in the nasal areaTrusted Source may experience swelling and a blocked or runny nose. Most people with ovarian cysts do not experience any symptoms. However, some people may have pain or discomfort in one side of the lower belly area. Symptoms of cysts in the brain or spine vary depending on their precise location. Some people experience: back pain weakness in their limbs persistent headaches Causes Dermoid cysts occurTrusted Source while a fetus is developing. While the fetus is in the embryonic stage, skin cells and structures get trapped in the wrong place and form a cyst. However, doctors and researchers do not fully understand why this happens. Diagnosis Doctors can often diagnose dermoid cysts with a physical exam. Periorbital dermoid cysts tend to look and feel similar and are usuallyTrusted Source on the outer third of the eyebrow. If doctors are concerned about the cyst growing into nerves, blood vessels, or a person’s eye, they may recommend imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan. These tests also help doctors diagnose people with cysts that are deeper in the body, such as the spine or brain. For ovarian cysts, doctors usually perform a pelvic exam or use a transvaginal ultrasound. For this test, doctors insert the ultrasound wand into the person’s vagina to look for any abnormal growths.