A dermoid cyst is an enclosed sac near the surface of the skin that forms during a baby’s development in the uterus. Dermoid cysts are a congenital condition. This means they’re present at birth.
What are the different types of dermoid cysts?
Dermoid cysts tend to form near the surface of the skin. They’re often noticeable soon after birth. Some may develop deeper inside the body as well. This means diagnosing them may not happen until later in life.
The location of a dermoid cyst determines its type. The more common types are:
Periorbital dermoid cyst
This type of dermoid cyst usually forms near the right side of the right eyebrow or the left side of the left eyebrow. These cysts are present at birth. However, they may not be obvious for months or even a few years after birth.
The symptoms, if any, are minor. There’s little risk to a child’s vision or health. However, if the cyst becomes infected, prompt treatment of the infection and surgical removal of the cyst is essential.
Ovarian dermoid cyst
This kind of cyst forms in or on an ovary. Some types of ovarian cysts are related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. But an ovarian dermoid cyst has nothing to do with the ovary’s function.
Like other kinds of dermoid cysts, an ovarian dermoid cyst first develops before birth. A woman may have a dermoid cyst on an ovary for many years until it’s discovered during a pelvic exam.
Spinal dermoid cyst
This benign cyst forms on the spine. It doesn’t spread elsewhere. It may be harmless and present no symptoms.
However, this kind of cyst may press against the spine or spinal nerves. For that reason, it should be surgically removed.
CAUSES
Periorbital dermoid cyst causes
A periorbital dermoid cyst forms when the skin layers don’t grow together properly. This allows skin cells and other materials to collect in a sac near the skin’s surface. Because the glands that are in the cyst continue to secrete fluids, the cyst continues to grow.
Ovarian dermoid cyst causes
An ovarian dermoid cyst or a dermoid cyst that grows on another organ also forms during embryonic development. It includes skin cells and other tissues and glands that should be in the layers of a baby’s skin, not around an internal organ.
Spinal dermoid cyst causes
A common cause of spinal dermoid cysts is a condition called spinal dysraphism. It occurs early in embryonic development, when part of the neural tube doesn’t close completely. The neural tube is the collection of cells that will become the brain and spinal cord.
