Dermoid Cyst

Hi I.,
I actually had two dermoid cysts removed in 2002. It was difficult because they were surgical removed by incision so it was like having a c-section. How big is the dermoid? I had one redevelop in my left ovary and I am in the process of deciding what to do about it too. I only have one child and want more so I want to see if I can wait it out until I have another. The recovery was very difficult for me. Maybe if they go in with a scope for you and for me this time it could be less painful. Let me know how it goes and what you decide.

Hi I.,

My daughter who is 33 has had 3 dermoid cysts removed from her ovaries. When she was 17 she had a 10 pound dermoid removed. It was attached to both ovaries and filled her abdominal cavity. Luckily she had a female surgeon who worked for hours to remove the cyst tissue from her reproductive organs. I am fairly convinced that if she had a male surgeon that he would probably done a complete hysterectomy. Even so we never knew whenther she would be able to get pregnant. Fast forwad to about 4 years ago and she got pregnant on her own and we have a delightful 3 year-old granddaughter. Since the birth my daughter has had two more laparascopic procedures to remove 2 more much smaller dermoids. My understanding of dermoids is that they are congenital. I guess you are born with them in seed form. Later your hormones effect them and they may begin to develop. They are usually benign and are frequently composed of tissue, hair, and teeth. Scary, huh? Hope yours is small enough to be removed laparoscopically. You'll be fine. Let me know.
B.
____@____.com

I had a dermatoid cyst removed last year. It was about the size of an Easter egg. My doctor discovered it when doing the ultrasound while I was pregnant. I was freaked out about it too, but it ended up not being too big of a deal. Cysts are very common and most women get them every month, but then they go away. Mine got bigger b/c of the hormones while I was pregnant. It was a quick procedure - just a small incision in my bikini area. I stayed 1 or 2 nights in the hospital (can't believe I can't remember) and had a quick recovery. My daughter was 5 months old at the time and I was more worried about her at home with my mom and hubby than I was about the procedure.
It's a very common procedure these days - I'm sure you'll be just fine! Good luck!

I had one. Mine was discovered in the ER as well, however I had to have emergency surgery to remove it. It had cut off the blood supply to my ovary. Luckily my ovary was saved and all is well. Got some funky pictures of the lovely blond hair, tooth and fat filled dermoid to keep. My recovery was a little tough, as it was not laparoscopic, but I believe the surgery is usually very non-invasive. I was checked every 6 months for more dermoids for 2 years, but one never returned. I was worried about getting pregnant after the dermoid, but have an adorable 1 year old daughter :) Good luck with your surgery and don't be afraid you'll be happy it's out. Let me know if you have any questions.

I also have a cyst. But it usually comes and goes during my cycle. It can be pretty painful. My doc does not recommend removal.

A dermoid cyst is one that can contain all different types of tissue (hair, bone, teeth, etc) and can grow quite large. You do not really have a choice as to whether or not to remove it. The surgery needs to be done. If it is small, laparoscopic removal is possible. I am a physician and this information is meant to help but the best thing you can do is discuss it with your gynecologist (the surgeon who will remove the cyst) and bring a list of all of your questions so you don't forget any. The cyst is benign (not cancerous or harmful unless it gets very big) and is usually easy to remove. Don't worry too much!

I had a dermatoid cyst removed from my left ovary about 2 yrs ago along with a fluid filled cyst from my right. The procedure its self is very easy as most doctors will go in arthroscopicly (making only tiny incisions). For me, I had 2 small incisions next to either side of my hip bone, an incision in my belly button and an incision right above my pelvic bone. My dermatoid cyst was about the size of a baseball and they were able to cut it away from the ovary without injuring the ovary itself. My dermatoid was filled with teeth, hair and bone (pretty gross). The procedure is normally out patient with a short recovery. However with any procedure there can be complications from anesthesia, they may decide that removing the entire ovary is necessary, having your intestines and other organs nicked or punctured in the process are all things that the doctor will most likely warn you about. Go over any and all questions you may have. If I can be of any further asssitance in answering any questions, please feel free to let me know. Good Luck, I will be praying for you I..

Hi I.,

I don't know if I had a "dermatoid" cyst, but I did have a cyst on my ovary (a pretty large one that cause me great discomfort and a visit to the ER as well). In short, you don't have anything to worry about. I am a big baby when it comes to any medical procedures, including my annual checkup - I "hate" the unknown. So, with that said, it was a pretty painless (very little discomfort - tolerable) and easy procedure. I was in & out with no side effects. The procedure was handled by my gynecologist and he just talked me through it.

I had a large cyst removed from my ovary when I was 15. The procedure was done using laperoscpy. The scope went in thru my belly button and the other tools in thru my vagina. I have 2 small scars that you can't even see now. It wasn't anything big, a little discomfort after but no biggie. Labor was much worse on my pain scale. I am 29 now and medically things have only gotten better, so the overall experience should be better.

Dear I.,
Having had more than 7 pretty bad cysts, I would like to
recommend that you have a look at these websites.

www.everydayhealth.com
www.ovariancystcures.com/cysts

Whatever Happens, let your Physician know that (it is possible to rid your body of these) maybe Birth Control Pills
or a shot of "Progsteron" could clear them up.
The shot did it for me 3 times!!
I wish you all the luck our universe has to you!!
C. S.

P.S. Don't think I spelled Progesteron correctly

I don't know if a dermadoid cyst is similar or the same as a benign syst, I'm guessing it is. I had the pleasure of having two removed from my right ovary on Mothers' day (of all days!!) Last year. What they did was do a laperoscopy on it. My situation was very painful because one syst had already exploded and it was filled with blood instead of the usual fluid, so it released into my abdomen and was incredibly painful. So I went to the ER, and it took them awhile to figure out what the problem was. Anyway, a laperoscopy is pretty quick and simple, they sedate you and fill your belly up with gas, then they take a couple of little long-tubed cameras, and after making three incisions, one in your belly button, and two on your lower pelvis. Then they use the scopes to see as they remove the systs. In some cases, they have to remove the ovary, but its rare. The doctor I had said she would do everything in her power to keep that from happening, and she kept her word. Plan on being laid up for a couple of days to a week. The worst pain is the pain you get in your neck and back, as a reaction from the gas they use in your belly. But they give you plenty of good drugs, so just make sure you have someone to take care of you, and you should b efine in no time. I still have scars from my surgery, but my skin is very delicate. That will vary from person to person, but they are so low on my pelvis, it doesn't really bother me, and the other one is actually INSIDE my belly button, so it's pretty hard to see. Surgery can be scary, but this is a very easy one and I'm sure you'll be well taken care of. I hope this was helpful!

J.

Hi I.,
I'm actually scheduled to have surgery next Wed. for removal of a dermoid cyst on my right ovary. It's 7.5 cm which according to the doctor tend to be pretty big (aroun 5-8 cm). She told me that the biggest concern is that the cyst can turn or twist pulling the ovary with it, thus causing major pain. Luckily I really don't feel anything, and they just happend to find it during my ultrasound when I was first pregnant. They monitored it throughout my pregnancy due to it's size and the baby putting pressure on it as he grew. I know how you feel I'm nervous about it (never have had any major medical problems all my life), but I was a little more nervous during my pregnancy not wanting to have emergency surgery putting the baby at risk. Now that he's out (3 months old) I can focus on this and take care of it. It's better that you take care of it now, than have it burst like some of the other mamma's were mentioning. I've been able to store some breast milk, help my husband figure out how to put him to bed (since he usually falls asleep nursing, and won't have that pleasure while I'm in the hospital) and just have things in order in general. Good Luck! And send me some too on the 18th. Thanks!!