Hello, my name is Ashleigh, I am 28. I was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst in March of 2006. Being a Massage therapist, I tried several alternative treatments. All referred me to surgery (even the practitioners who are against surgery). My Dermoid went from a small golfball to a grapefruit in one year. Originally, if I had my laproscoptic surgery (this is a surgery that uses small incisions, as I am overweight and didn't want more weight gain by not being able to exercise for a month or two with a large abdominal incision) earlier, I would not have had to have my ovary removed. Because my dermoid grew so large, it twisted up with my ovary. I had to have my ovary and falopian tube on that side removed (which I am still able to get pregnant, with PCOS specific treatments).
Basically my point is. This will not go away. from every alternative medical source, there is nothing that can be done, taken, used, etc. surgery is your only choice. the more you wait, the bigger it gets, the more damage it does. There is a chance you can save your ovary. I have refuse surgery for several medical problems. This is the one surgery I could not escape. After, I was so mad at myself to know, that I could have had it removed a year earlier with less damage. Please research as much information as possible about dermoids. They are cysts filled with germs that your body releases. They find hair, bone, fat and fluids in them. These are constanly being deposited into the cyst. We have had them since birth (some people have them on their backs, faces, etc..), they are activated by biological triggers. Once they grow, they get larger. They also have a chance of bursting which will spread all these contaminants into your body cavity, infecting your organs and causing inflammation and infection. I went to an oncologist (a cancer surgeon who is use to removing tumors and cysts) as my obgyn said she had difficulty performing laproscoptic surgies with the dermoid cysts. To avoid complications find someone who is comfortable with the surgery. Again, you are creating more of a risk to your health, comfort and ovary function the longer you wait. Don't take my word...research as much as possible. I don't want anyone to experience the regret I did, for lack of knowledge on the matter.
Good luck to you...Oh and besides loosing an ovary and tube, the worst or most painful part of the surgery was the catheter for my bladder (which as with the miracle birth of my son is the most excuciating thing ever, if you can avoid having one during surgery, beg for it!), besides that, it was painless. A week after the surgery, I went on a roadtrip with my friend and our little boys. I hiked and played and took care of an energetic 4 year old and felt great! Again, good luck!
Dermoid cyst increased in size 
Dermoid Cyst 
Dermoid Cyst Awareness 
