An ovarian dermoid cyst is a fluid filled sac which arises at birth and has the ability to differentiate into several structures such as hair, teeth, fluid or skin glands (sweat glands).
These growths tend to develop in a woman during their reproductive years. A dermoid cyst tends to be mobile (because they are not often associated with pelvic adhesions) so pain as a result of ovarian torsion is a common presentation.
It can also leak or rupture if it were to fill up with fluid. Sometimes they can even become cancerous. Ovarian dermoid cysts which enlarge rapidly or cause pain are usually removed via keyhole laparoscopic surgery.
