What is a dermoid tumor

[monsterinme]

I recently went to the Doctor for my breast, both of them are leaking and have been for 1 1/2 years. I had a mammogram done and while I was at this I went for a pap smear. My mammogram came back normal and my papsmear came back normal. During my papsmear the doctor made notes and sent me up an appointment for a sonogram. My sonogram revealed I have a baseball size tumor, my uterus is 14 weeks in size. The tumor is non-cancerous yeah.....but I also have a dermoid tumor that has hair and teeth, this just freaks me out. I go in a week for a consultation to see when to have all this removed. Exactly what is a dermoid tumor and how long have I had it ? What about my leaking breast ? Do the tumors/cyst cause this...What are my chances of having cancer ? My results came back and they say no cancerous cells but what about the dermoid tumor? Was this started out a fetus ? Where does the hair and teeth come from and how long does it take a dermoid tumor to grow that stuff ? I feel like I have a monster growing inside me. Please help.

[MickeyVicki]

If I recall my facts correctly, then a dermoid cyst grows from cells that failed to form into an egg and thus failed to progress through the reproductive system like an egg in  a normal monthly cycle.  It was never a fetus.  Basically, a dermoid cyst is similar to a bit of skin growing 'inside-out.'  Yes, it can have hair, teeth, bone, oil glands, and sweat glands.  I have no idea how long it takes a dermoid cyst to form and grow.  Dermoids are very rarely cancerous, but if a dermoid cyst ruptures and spills the contents into the abdomen then pain, infection, and scarring can result.

[monsterinme]

Thank you for your response just knowing this isn't a fetus really helps the mind.........

[Julee]

Hi. I posted a question above because I was also diagnosed with a dermoid tumor last week.  My doctor said my tumor is completly solid.  Is yours too?  Or is yours fluid or a combination of both.  Reason I ask is that MickyVicky mentioned about the possibility of it spilling, which sounds like something that happens to a liquid cyst not a solid tumor, so I'm confused...

[MickeyVicki]

Dermoids can contain both solid components and fluids.  Some are more solid, others more fluid-filled.  For example, on the internet I found an image of a dermoid whose contents were nearly all fluid, except for the hairs that could clearly be seen growing in it. I had an endometrioma removed last year.  My endometrioma also contained both solids and fluids, and until the surgery, my doctor was not absolutely certain what the mass on my ovary was - an endometrioma or a dermoid.

[monsterinme]

Sorry to hear you have this too........I do not know if mine is solid or liquid I dont know too much about all this I myself just learned last week I had this.......I go Monday 7th and I will keep ya'll posted.......are your breast leaking I still have no answer as to why my breast are leaking...are you having surgery to remove it, I am just as soon as possible.......Later CM

[monsterinme]

Micki, Where can I go see a picture of this tumor ? I do appreciate all of your knowledge you have given me and all the other women you have responded to..........GOD BLESS YOU MAY YOUR REWARDS FROM HEAVEN BE PLENTIFUL..............CM

[MickeyVicki]

I have not found the site that I found last December, when I was preparing for my own surgery.   However, I did recall this site, which contains VERY GRAPHIC images of several types of cysts, and you might not want to see these until your own surgery is  behind you !

http://www.womenssurgerygroup.com/conditions/OvarianCysts/photos.asp

[MickeyVicki]

I found the site with the image showing the tooth in the dermoid:

http://www.uhrad.com/mamarc/mam014.htm

[Julee]

To answer your question, no I am not having any breast leakage like you.  I am really starting to wonder if what I have is even a dermoid because from everything I have read and heard, they are a mix of solid and liquid components.  I specifically asked my doctor if my tumor was COMPLETELY solid, and she said "YES, COMPLETELY".  I am definately considering going somewhere else for a 3rd opinion.

[monsterinme]

Please go find another dr. and let us know what he said.......Have you had a sonogram done?

[monsterinme]

Thanks for the website, I only went to the first one that was enough.......looking at it I can hardly tell whats what so thats a good thing everything looked gross to me.............did not go see the tooth one though I'll just pass on that for now........thank you
I had to leave work early today it my 3rd day on my cycle and every 15 I was going ...........I pray this is my last cycle.........that is what I look forward to no more cycles................I will post Monday what the doc has to say, again thank you for everything

[MickeyVicki]

Yes, with the exception of the x-ray type image of the 'tooth' dermoid,  those photos are rather disgusting.  My doctor took internal photos before and after my procedure, and I was amazed how the difference in the healthy tissues and the diseased tissues.  It was obvious which was which.   Of course, I could not look at them until my second post-op appointment because I was afraid that I might faint or be sick.

Please do keep us posted on your progress in regaining your health!

[cinch]

From what I understand, a definitive diagnosis of an ovarian mass can only be done through biopsy or surgery. Two years ago I had a pelvic exam with my primary care physician and she said all was fine. But because of a strong history of ovca in my family, she recommended a trans-vaginal ultrasound. It showed a 7 cm. mass on my right ovary, which they thought was a dermoid tumor. I then had an MRI which showed the same 7 cm. mass and again they thought it may be a dermoid tumor. I did research on it and you are all right - it sounded kind of freaky with teeth and hair! Anyway, because of my strong family history of ovca and because I was 50 years old, I decided to have a TAH/BSO. To my surprise there was nothing on my right ovary (they said it was probably a bowel loop that showed up on the ultrasound and MRI) but I did have a 3cm. granulosa cell tumor on my left ovary, which hadn't shown up on anything! I was soooo lucky because it was staged 1A and didn't have to have chemo. I have to be checked every  3-4 months and have been doing pretty well. It goes to show that tests are not perfect! Monsterinme, are you going to have surgery? Best of luck. Cindy

[monsterinme]

I am going in March 18th to get all this monsterous stuff out of me...............I get to keep my left ovary, I am very happy about that.........well as long has the doc doesn't see something once he is in there..........if so its gone too.......I do feel so much better just knowing this is all coming out and I can count the days down......11 days...........He will attempt this vaginal and I am very happy about that.......my uterus has grown since my last visit so this thing is growing pretty darn fast.............he did say my leaking breast are more than likely from me breast feeding my last 3 kids, and my body thinks there is another pregnancy but we all know better.........if it does not go away then he will do futher testing later.......well I will stay in touch and let ya'll know how all goes...........I would like to thank you all for all the comments/advise it has been so much appreciated and this is a site I will continue to check and send comments to those who are going through this...........just knowing it is common has really helped me,,,,,,,,,,,I now will give back to others......................thank you Vickie, Julee and Cindi...........

[MickeyVicki]

Good luck with your surgery and I hope you have a short recovery period.  It is amazing how fast these cysts can grow, and you will really notice the 'extra room' in your abdomen when this has all been removed!  

My hormones were out of balance before my surgery, but not to the extent of yours, I suppose.  My breasts were not affected anyway.  About two weeks after my surgery, I had a few days of really feeling down and blue.  I even cried one day, which is not something normal for me to do.  My doctor said it was a mild depression caused by the hormonal changes brought about by removing that large cyst and ovary.  You might experience this type of emotional change as well.  However, three months after my surgery, I feel better than I have felt in the past year.

[monsterinme]

thanks for the warning about some depression creeping in.......I go in tomorrow at 3:00 in the afternoon and darn it I am a little sick I haven't had a cold in over 2 years.........now look..........sniffle sniffle...........anyways........I'll be back on here during my recovery time sharing my experience at the hospital. Thanks for everything

[monsterinme]

The monster is all gone, it was all non cancerous.........it weighed a little over a pound.......and I wasn't even in the hospital for a total of 24 hours.............amazing...........I am so relieved and I feel great ...I got to keep my left ovay.......I am so excited it is over with I am just besides myself...just gonna take it nice and easy........thank you all again so very much for everything. Cissy

[MickeyVicki]

Thanks for sharing the good news!  I hope you have a quick recovery.

[Liz1013]

I just found out via Ultrasound that I have a tumor on my left ovary "
Dermoid" and I am a bit surprises and grossed out regarding the monstrous/monster description.  I went to the Dr with symptoms of irregular bleeding (2 a month, 4 days off and back on.  This month (July) I have already had 2 so I will probably end up with 1 more. I found out on Thursday the 10th and by Friday the 11th of July I appear to be about 5 mos pregnants or more.  The doctor stated it was bloating.  Did you have bloating with the appearance of pregnancy with a Dermoid Turmor?  I have no pain.  They are checking me now for Ovarian Cancer.

[Gatsby]

hey there!  I had 2 softball sized dermoids.  Until they were removed and path was done, I was also going through the anxiety of the unknown.  Mine had teeth, hair, skin, cartlidge and bone!  Fortunately they were benign and were removed.  Crazy how the body works sometimes.  I did have major bloating, irregular periods, acid reflux, horrific anxiety attacks and terrible mood swings.  I thought I was going crazy to say the least.  Once the dermoids were removed,  I felt so much better.  I did have to have a complete hyst later on due to other complications.  You will get through this.  Just remember that there are so many others here that have been through it too.  
~Tascha

[chloe15]

I am 15 and i went in for a sports physical and the founda 11 cm dermoid. I am very scared and i have never had surguery before and the doctor told  me that she was going to try a laprascopy if not a lapomory--? i dont know how to spell -- And info would help a ton plus i am very active i love my cheer leading so this really ***** for me! Please any info will help thanks!

[Sharon2714]

u are brave for getting this surgery ... it will make ur pains go away and u can resume normal 15 yo stuff in no tie .... u did nothing to cause this honey ... it may have even been there since birth ! the dermoid also secrets HCG (pregnancy hormone) and sometimes it sends out enough to give a false positive on a pregnancy test and make milk come from your breasts ... u really need this out darlin ... have ur folks fid u the best gynecologic surgeon or gynecologic oncologist in ur town ... talk to the docs and see if they can do this with as little scarring as possible (laparoscopy) and see if they can keep ur ovaries in ... i pray u the best of luck ... come join us over on the cyst foru .. u will find more sisters with various stages of dermoid experience :)
god bless
love
sharon

[NiftyFifty56]

Did you experience getting redness or purple bruising on abdomen after removal of ovary/dermoid?  Also markings that look like stretch marks.  I have no fever and just a little pain.  Sometimes I get headaches too.  

[Nata2780]

I have a question, how long was the recovery time. I have been diagnosed with a 12 cm dermoid tumor. I am getting married on the 4th of October and we are going on our honeymoon to Mexico.

I dont know what to do, do I remove it now or should I chance it and wait until I get back?

[TrudieC]

Niftyfifty56, you should have your doctor take a look.  You may have an infection.

Nata2780, with a tumor that large it is unlikely they can remove it using a laporascope and you will require a laporatomy (open surgery).  Recovery will be anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks.  Since dermoids are unlikely to be malignant, if it were me I'd enjoy my wedding and honeymoon and have the surgery when I returned.  Good luck!

[Nata2780]

Hi TrudieC ~ thank you for the information. I finally got to talk to my doctor last night and she said almost the same thing. Were going to keep an eye on it but wait to do surgery when I come back from the honeymoon.

Thank you again, I have been so worried. Its nice to be able to speak with others to gain more information.

[worried843]

I guese these can come at any age. I have a seven year old daughter who I was just told has a dermoid tumor. They said it is the size of a cantalope. They said it contains fatty tissue and some calcium buildup. She is having it removed tomorrow. They say that her right ovary may not be able to be saved. What causes these to grow?

Thanks for any help.

[jewels912]

I had a pelvic exam and it shows a 3.9cm mass on my left ovary they say its a a dermoid cyst but not sure until further test are done I am so scared.

[Mira223]

Jewels:

What other tests are they giving you?  I've just had 2 ultrasounds, and apparently they know it's a dermoid from the ultrasound only.  I've been told no other tests were necessary.  I have a 10 cm dermoid on my right ovary and am set to have surgery on Dec. 4.  I am extremely nervous and want my ovary to be saved.  I wish to have children.  My doctor said there is a 90% chance of saving the ovary.  

To Worried843, doctors do not know what causes them to grow, yet with further research, I've discovered that stress, diet, hormones, etc. can really play a part.  Check out:  ovariancystsnomore.com, it could help the little girl to avoid more later in life.  Some girls/women are more susceptible to them, some can be there from birth?!!?  They really do not know why which is frustrating.  

To the women that have had laparscopic surgeries, any helpful pointers in a smooth entry and recovery in surgery?

Blessings to everyone on here.  Please say a prayer Dec. 4 for me.
Thanks!
-Mira