A dermoid tumor,
also known as mature teratoma, is a benign type of
ovarian tumor. Dermoids constitute about one-third of
all benign ovarian tumors. They rarely become cancerous
and are usually harmless. When they do occur, they are
found in both ovaries in about 15% of the cases.
Dermoids are generally described as “bizarre” because
they arise from a single cell that has the potential to
become any structure in the body. They are filled with a
greasy, thick fluid and often have recognizable
formations such as hair, cartilage, teeth, thyroid
tissue, sebaceous (oily) glands, neural tissue, and/or
muscle fibers. The human-like appearance of the tumor is
at times quite shocking and may be quite traumatic for
the patient.
Dermoid
tumors often
cause no symptoms and are noted as an enlargement of the
ovary on routine pelvic exam. Pain and irregular
menstruation may be the only symptoms and their
detection is usually incidental. They may occur at any
age but are mainly detected during the reproductive age,
the average age of occurrence being thirty years. They
may range in size from a centimeter up to 45 cm in
diameter. Even when they occur at prime childbearing
age, they do not affect the fertility of the woman.
However, they may twist on themselves affecting the
blood supply to the ovary and cause severe pain.
Occasionally, the larger dermoid tumors
are likely to rupture, producing peritonitis, or
irritation of the abdominal and pelvic cavity. To
prevent these complications, it is best to excise the
dermoid tumor whenever it is detected. The surgery will
involve removing only the dermoid with the ovary being
retained unless the entire ovary is involved. The
surgery may be laparoscopic involving miniature tools
through tiny incisions or by laparotomy which is open
surgery. Torsion or twisting of the ovary due to the
cyst is an emergency and calls for urgent surgery. About
1% of cases of dermoid tumors may turn cancerous,
especially those occurring in elderly women.
Since the dermoid tumors are usually benign, they are very conducive to treatment with holistic medicine. It is natural, safe, and without any major side effects. While surgery removes the tumor, it does not guarantee that it will not recur. Surgeries also come with their inherent risks. Holistic medicine can not only help avoid surgeries but eliminate the root cause of the tumor and ensuring a lifelong solution. Moreover, the patient is in total control of the treatment which helps to improve her emotional well-being too.
