Ovarian Dermoid Cyst: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
August 26, 2026
August 26, 2026
An ovarian dermoid cyst, medically called a mature cystic teratoma, is a usually non-cancerous growth that develops from reproductive cells in the ovary. It may contain mature tissues such as skin, hair, fat, teeth or bone. Many dermoid cysts cause no symptoms and are found incidentally during an ultrasound performed for another reason.
Dermoid cysts account for approximately 10-20% of all ovarian tumours and are among the most common benign ovarian growths diagnosed during the reproductive years.
These cysts usually grow slowly and may remain unnoticed until detected during a routine pelvic ultrasound. Although most are non-cancerous, they rarely disappear naturally. This article explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian dermoid cysts, including when monitoring or surgical removal may be recommended.
An ovarian dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian germ cell tumour. Its medical name is a mature cystic teratoma. It most commonly affects women during their reproductive years, although it can occur at any age.
Unlike a functional ovarian cyst, which develops during the menstrual cycle and may disappear within a few months, a dermoid cyst consists of mature body tissues. Most are benign and slow-growing. A dermoid cyst may develop in either the left or right ovary, and some women may have cysts in both ovaries.
A dermoid cyst is a sac-like growth that develops from germ cells. Germ cells can form different types of body tissue, which is why a dermoid cyst may contain:
Skin and oil-producing glands
Hair
Fat
Teeth
Bone
Cartilage or other mature tissue
The presence of these tissues can make a dermoid cyst look complex on an ultrasound. However, a complex appearance does not automatically mean that the cyst is cancerous.
Ovarian dermoid cysts develop from germ cells in the ovary. These cells have the ability to form tissues from different embryonic layers. When they grow abnormally, they may create a mature cystic teratoma containing several types of fully developed tissue.
The process begins at the cellular level and is not caused by anything a woman eats, does, or fails to do. A dermoid cyst may be present for a long time before it becomes large enough to be detected on an examination or imaging scan.
An ovarian dermoid cyst develops when a germ cell in the ovary begins forming different types of mature body tissue.
The exact trigger for this abnormal development is not fully understood.
Germ-cell origin: Germ cells can develop into several tissue types, including skin, hair, fat, teeth, bone, and cartilage.
Abnormal cellular development: Instead of following the usual reproductive pathway, the germ cell forms a mature cystic teratoma.
No established lifestyle cause: Diet, exercise, sexual activity, poor hygiene and everyday habits do not cause dermoid cysts.
No clear preventable risk factors: There is currently no proven method of preventing an ovarian dermoid cyst.
Unrelated to PCOS: Dermoid cysts are different from the multiple small follicles associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
There are no clearly established lifestyle-related risk factors for ovarian dermoid cysts. However, they are more frequently diagnosed during the reproductive years.
Factors that may influence their management rather than their development include:
Age and menopausal status
Size and growth rate of the cyst
Presence of symptoms
Whether one or both ovaries are affected
Pregnancy plans and existing ovarian reserve
Previous history of an ovarian dermoid cyst
Ultrasound features that are common or uncommon
Family or personal history relevant to ovarian cancer risk
Many ovarian dermoid cysts do not produce noticeable symptoms. They may be discovered during a pelvic examination, pregnancy scan, infertility evaluation, or ultrasound performed for abdominal discomfort.
Symptoms are more likely when the cyst becomes large, presses on nearby organs, or develops a complication.
Possible ovarian dermoid cyst symptoms include:
Dull or aching pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
Bloating or abdominal swelling
Pain during sexual intercourse
Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
Difficulty passing stools if the cyst presses on the bowel
A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Pain that is more noticeable on one side
Menstrual changes, although these are not specific to dermoid cysts
These symptoms can also occur with other gynaecological or digestive conditions. A medical examination is therefore needed to identify the cause.
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
Sudden, severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting
Fever with abdominal or pelvic pain
Dizziness, weakness or fainting
Rapidly worsening abdominal swelling
Severe pain following exercise, intercours,e or sudden movement
Sudden pain with nausea or vomiting can indicate ovarian torsion, in which the ovary twists and its blood supply becomes restricted.
Diagnosis usually begins with a discussion of symptoms, menstrual history, previous ovarian conditions, pregnancy plans, and family medical history. The doctor may then perform an abdominal or pelvic examination.
Investigations may include:
Pelvic ultrasound: This is the primary imaging test. A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound can identify the cyst’s size, location and internal features.
Doppler ultrasound: It may be used to assess blood flow, particularly when ovarian torsion is suspected.
CT scan: A CT scan may identify fat, calcification, teeth or bone within the cyst when further clarification is needed.
MRI: MRI can provide detailed images if ultrasound findings are uncertain or complex.
Blood tests: Selected tests may be advised depending on the woman’s age, symptoms and imaging findings.
Pregnancy test: This may be performed in women of reproductive age who have pelvic pain or an ovarian mass.
Ovarian dermoid cyst treatment is individualised. Some cysts can be monitored, while others require surgical removal. The decision depends on symptoms, cyst size, growth, appearance, age, menopausal status and plans for pregnancy.
The principal options are:
Regular monitoring with repeat ultrasound
Planned ovarian dermoid cyst surgery
Emergency surgery if torsion, rupture or another acute complication is suspected
Monitoring may be considered when the cyst:
Is relatively small
Has common benign features on imaging
Is not causing significant symptoms
Is not growing rapidly
Has no suspicious solid or irregular components
Is found in a patient for whom surgery presents additional concerns
Monitoring normally involves scheduled clinical reviews and repeat ultrasound scans. The purpose is to check whether the cyst remains stable or begins to grow or change.
There is no single monitoring schedule appropriate for every patient. The gynaecologist will recommend follow-up based on the cyst’s features and the woman’s individual risk profile.
Surgery may be recommended when:
The cyst causes persistent pain, pressure or other symptoms
It is large or continues to grow
Ovarian torsion is suspected
The cyst has ruptured or is causing inflammation
Imaging does not provide a confident diagnosis
Some features raise concern about malignancy
The cyst affects fertility treatment or access to the ovary
The woman is postmenopausal
Follow-up cannot be maintained safely
The decision is not based on size alone. A symptomatic or suspicious smaller cyst may require removal, while selected asymptomatic cysts may be monitored.
Surgery may be performed through laparoscopy or open abdominal surgery.
1. Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to remove the cyst. When clinically appropriate, it generally allows a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than open surgery.
2. Open surgery or laparotomy may be required for a very large cyst, suspected cancer, extensive complications, or situations in which safe laparoscopic removal is not considered possible.
The surgeon may perform:
Ovarian cystectomy: Only the cyst is removed while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible.
Oophorectomy: The affected ovary is removed. This may be necessary if the ovary has been severely damaged, the cyst has replaced most of the ovary or cancer is suspected.
For women who wish to become pregnant in the future, ovarian preservation is an important part of surgical planning whenever it is medically safe.
There is no medicine that can dissolve a dermoid cyst or remove the tissues contained inside it. Hormonal contraceptives may help prevent some types of functional ovarian cysts, but they do not eliminate an existing dermoid cyst.
Treatment without surgery therefore means active monitoring rather than attempting to shrink the cyst. Observation should always be medically supervised. It is not the same as ignoring the cyst.
Warning signs requiring prompt medical assessment include sudden severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, persistent pressure symptoms or features suggesting torsion, rupture or another complication. Larger cysts may carry a greater risk of torsion, but size alone does not determine whether surgery is required.
Some warning signs to look out for:
Persistent or increasing pelvic pain
Sudden severe pain, nausea or vomiting
Rapid increase in cyst size
Pressure symptoms affecting urination or bowel movements
A large cyst associated with a greater concern for torsion
Suspicious or uncertain features on ultrasound
Fever or signs of infection
New or enlarging ovarian mass after menopause
Increasing abdominal swelling or unexplained weight loss
These signs do not necessarily mean that the cyst is cancerous. They indicate that further evaluation is needed to determine the safest treatment.
Yes. Most ovarian dermoid cysts are benign and treatable, but an enlarging cyst can occasionally cause complications.
The risk depends on its size, growth, position, and effect on the surrounding ovary.
Ovarian torsion: The cyst may cause the ovary to twist, restricting blood flow and producing sudden severe pelvic pain, nausea or vomiting.
Cyst rupture: A rupture can release oily material into the abdomen, causing pain and inflammation.
Infection: Although uncommon, infection may cause fever, pelvic tenderness and worsening pain.
Pressure symptoms: A large cyst may press on the bladder or bowel, leading to frequent urination, constipation or abdominal fullness.
Ovarian damage: Prolonged torsion or extensive cyst growth may damage healthy ovarian tissue and potentially affect fertility.
Malignant transformation: Cancerous change is rare but occurs more commonly in older or postmenopausal women and larger tumours.
Most ovarian dermoid cysts do not affect ovulation or prevent natural conception. Fertility concerns mainly arise when both ovaries are involved, healthy ovarian tissue is damaged or treatment requires surgery.
A dermoid cyst rarely causes infertility by itself. However, reproductive health may be affected if:
The cyst replaces a substantial amount of healthy ovarian tissue
Dermoid cysts develop in both ovaries
Ovarian torsion damages the affected ovary
Surgery reduces ovarian reserve
Other fertility-related conditions are also present
Women planning pregnancy should discuss ovarian reserve and fertility-preserving surgery with their gynaecologist before treatment.
Yes. A small, symptom-free cyst can usually be monitored before and during pregnancy. Treatment before conception may be advised if the cyst is large, painful, growing or considered at risk of torsion.
Women experiencing difficulty conceiving can consult the fertility specialists at Motherland Hospital for personalised evaluation and guidance.
Both size and location influence treatment, but they are not the only considerations. Doctors also assess symptoms, growth rate, ultrasound appearance, age, fertility plans, and whether one or both ovaries are involved.
A 5 cm dermoid ovarian cyst requires assessment by a gynaecologist. Depending on its appearance and the patient’s symptoms, it may be monitored or removed.
Surgery may be considered if the cyst is painful, growing or affecting fertility treatment. If monitoring is chosen, regular ultrasound examinations are important.
A 7 cm dermoid ovarian cyst is more likely to require surgical evaluation because larger cysts may cause pressure symptoms and have a greater potential to twist the ovary.
However, surgery is not decided solely by the measurement. The woman’s age, symptoms, pregnancy plans, ultrasound findings and surgical risks must all be considered.
A left ovarian dermoid cyst develops in the left ovary. Symptoms, when present, may be more noticeable on the lower left side of the abdomen or pelvis.
Its treatment is based on size, symptoms, and imaging features rather than the fact that it is on the left side.
A right ovarian dermoid cyst develops in the right ovary and may cause right-sided pelvic pain. Sudden right-sided pain can resemble appendicitis, so urgent examination may be needed when pain is severe.
A dermoid cyst in the right ovary is not inherently more dangerous than one in the left ovary.
Consult a gynaecologist if you have persistent pelvic pain, bloating, pressure, pain during intercourse, urinary changes, or an ovarian cyst identified on imaging. Even when the cyst is not causing symptoms, it should be assessed to confirm its type and determine whether follow-up is needed.
Seek emergency care for sudden severe pelvic pain, especially when it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness or fainting.
At Motherland Hospital in Noida, women can access gynaecology consultations, radiology services, fertility evaluation and minimally invasive surgical care in one coordinated setting. A consultation with the best gynaecologist in Noida at Motherland Hospital can help you understand whether your cyst requires monitoring, further investigation or surgery.
Most ovarian dermoid cysts are benign and treatable. However, an enlarging cyst may twist the ovary, rupture or press on nearby organs. Cancerous transformation is rare. Regular follow-up helps identify changes before they cause serious problems.
A small dermoid cyst may remain stable for years, but it may also grow gradually. An untreated cyst can potentially cause pain, pressure, ovarian torsion, or rupture. If observation is recommended, scheduled ultrasound scans are necessary to monitor its size and appearance.
Yes, but this is rare. The risk is generally higher in older or postmenopausal women and in cysts with concerning features. Rapid growth or unusual solid areas on imaging may require surgery and pathological examination to establish a definite diagnosis.
Yes, although rupture is uncommon. It may cause sudden abdominal pain and release oily material into the abdomen, leading to inflammation. Severe pain, fever, vomiting, dizziness or abdominal tenderness after a known dermoid cyst requires urgent medical assessment.
Most dermoid cysts do not directly cause infertility. Fertility may be affected if a large cyst damages ovarian tissue, both ovaries are involved, torsion occurs or surgery reduces ovarian reserve. Fertility-preserving cystectomy is considered whenever it is safe and appropriate.
Dermoid cysts do not usually disappear naturally because they contain mature tissue rather than temporary menstrual-cycle fluid. A small cyst may be monitored, but medicines, diet and hormonal treatments cannot dissolve the tissues inside an established ovarian dermoid cyst.
A dermoid cyst can remain in the ovary for many years. Some grow very slowly and cause no symptoms. Because they generally do not resolve spontaneously, ongoing monitoring may be advised until surgery is needed or the doctor determines that further follow-up is unnecessary.
Yes, recurrence is possible, although most completely removed cysts do not return. A new dermoid cyst may develop in the same ovary or the opposite ovary. Follow-up may be recommended, particularly for younger women or those who previously had bilateral cysts.
No particular diet can shrink or remove an ovarian dermoid cyst. A balanced diet may support general health and recovery around surgery, but it cannot treat the cyst itself. Dietary supplements should not replace recommended scans, medical follow-up or surgical treatment.
There are no scientifically proven natural remedies that dissolve ovarian dermoid cysts. Herbs, detox programmes, massage or supplements cannot remove the mature tissues inside the cyst. Delaying medical evaluation in favour of unproven remedies may allow the cyst to grow or develop complications.
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August 26, 2026
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