Dermoid Cyst Removal (cont.)

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Prior to removal of superficial dermoid cysts on the face, a person should know the difference between cysts and other facial growths.

• Because dermoid cysts stem from birth and grow slowly, a person usually notices them during childhood or early adulthood.
• Dermoid cysts are firm and painless unless ruptured.
• Dermoid cysts are not attached to the overlying skin.

In rare cases, a dermoid cyst extends into a structure deeper than skin, such as a facial cavity or an orbit. Some doctors recommend a CT scan or other imaging studies for these cases. This decision depends on the doctor's suspicion of a deep-level cyst and after a determination of risk versus benefit.

Self-removal of facial cysts at home is not recommended because the cyst will grow back if not completely removed. Chances of infection, bleeding, and other complications increase for people who remove dermoid cysts themselves, especially since the person may not be able to differentiate between a harmless growth and other, more serious skin problems.

To remove a dermoid cyst in an outpatient setting, the doctor will clean the area over the cyst, inject a local anesthetic, and make an incision directly over the cyst and attempt to remove it completely. Whether or not a dermoid cyst should be removed in an outpatient setting is determined by the treating physician after careful examination and  any appropriate investigative testing.

Barring the possible complications associated with any operation, removal of a dermoid cyst usually results in complete recovery.

Medically reviewed by John A. Daller, MD; American Board of Surgery with subspecialty certification in surgical critical care

REFERENCE:

"Skin nodules in newborns and infants"
UpToDate.com

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