Dermoid Cysts of the ovary have to rank as one of the creepiest things that can happen to a girl. These evil-looking, but benign, tumors result from a very independent (or confused) egg thinking that it can develop on its own with only half of its own genetic material, and the result is something that even a mother could not love: a monstrous ball of sebaceous glands, cartilage, teeth, hair, and various other cellular structures.

Dermoid cysts may be present at birth (what precocious youth!) but generally are not noticed until adulthood. They generally measure between 2-4 inches in diameter, but they can be up to 12 inches across. They are almost always benign and are bilateral (occurring on both ovaries) in 25% of the cases.

The cure for Dermoid Cysts of the ovary is cystectomy (surgical removal of the cyst). Often part of the ovary can be saved through cystectomy, but if the cyst has completely engulfed the ovary, the entire ovary will need to be removed. So, it's safe to say that the biggest risk you can have from removal of an Ovarian Dermoid Cyst is losing both of your ovaries to them and embracing the unappealing prospect of premature menopause.

You might ask yourself how I know so much about Dermoid Cysts? Well, you see, I had my own canteloup-sized Dermoid Cyst removed when I was 21 years old. I affectionately refer to it as my "Stone Baby". Sad to say, I didn't have the foresight at that time to have it preserved in a jar, and that's really quite a pity because, judging by the pathology report, it was a beauty! (Unfortunately, I can't find that pathology report at the moment, but once I do I'll share all the gruesome details with you.)

Until then, enjoy this lovely set of images I have put together for you entitled
"A Demon Of Our Own Making"

Dermoid Cysts: Perfectly Disturbing!