An uncommon cause of pelvic pain - Answers

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.