'Most dermoid cysts are benign, but rarely, they can be cancerous,' says Dr Bajekal. Getty Images Are dermoid cysts dangerous?

This may be constant or may come and go.'Ībnormal periods or vaginal bleeding are not typically associated with dermoid cysts. 'Or, a sharp pain or dull ache on the side of the cyst. 'Sometimes, people may complain of a heavy pressure sensation lower down in the pelvis,' she adds. 'Dermoid cysts are often asymptomatic (without symptoms) and may be picked up incidentally during a pelvic ultrasound scan – or, if large enough, during a pelvic examination – that has been carried out for other reasons,' points out the expert. And, although very rarely, they may run in families.' What are the signs and symptoms of a dermoid cyst? 'In about 10% of cases, there may be a dermoid cyst in both ovaries, usually one much smaller than the other. 'Dermoid cysts are one of the most common types of ovarian cysts found in women and those assigned female at birth between the ages of 20 and 40 years,' explains Dr Bajekal. 'They have the potential to develop into hair, bone, skin, fat and even teeth, and can range from a little, pea-sized cyst to as big as 15-20 cm in size (the size of a large grapefruit or even a melon).' How common are dermoid cysts?

'These are cysts arising from specialised 'totipotential' cells (ovarian germ cells or reproductive cells) normally found in the ovaries,' she adds. The medical term for a dermoid cyst, Dr Bajekal points out, is benign mature cystic teratomas. However some cysts, such as dermoid cysts, may cause symptoms and need treatment.' 'Most are simple follicular cysts that usually come and go with each cycle and do not cause any bother. 'Ovarian cysts (fluid filled collections) are very common,' explains Dr Bajekal. So, what actually is a dermoid cyst? Where do dermoid cysts come from? And, more importantly, are dermoid cysts dangerous or something to worry about? To find the answers to those questions – and more – we spoke to senior consultant and women’s health expert, Dr Nitu Bajekal, who has over 35-years experience as an ObGyn (obstetrician and gynaecologist). 'This sounds like the beginning of a horror movie,' said one person, with another commenting: 'New fear unlocked'. Understandably, the clip caught the attention of many a confused TikToker (2.7 million to be exact), who took to the comments section to find out what the heck was going on. Page continued: 'For those of you who don't know what dermoid cyst is – because I didn't until today – it's a cyst that grows hair and teeth, and is caused from particles of foetal tissue.' At the end of the clip, Page shows a photo of what a dermoid cyst with hair and teeth actually looks like.

Grapefruit size ovarian dermoid cyst