An uncommon cause of pelvic pain - Answers.
- Author:
Ian BICKLE
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Brunei International Medical Journal
2011;7(1):57-57
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
(Refer to page 35)
Answer: Ovarian dermoid cyst
(Mature cystic teratoma)
An ovarian dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratoma)
is a congenital benign germ cell tumour
that contains tissues derived from all
three germ cells layers (ecto, endo and mesoderms),
but with a predominance
of ectodermal components. These cysts may
contain hair, skin, epithelium, fat and teeth.
Dermoid cysts can occur elsewhere in the
body, such as the orbit, spine and neck. They
occur most commonly in the reproductive
years, and usually present with either chronic
pelvic pain, a palpable mass or less commonly
with acute pain due to torsion or intratumoural
haemorrhage. Although torsion is
the most common complication, cysts may
also rupture and rarely undergo malignant
change developing into squamous cell carcinomas.
