dermoid cyst n a cystic tumor often of the ovary that contains skin and skin derivatives (as hair or teeth) called also dermoid
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(dermoid)
a cyst containing hair, hair follicles, and sebaceous gland, usually found at sites marking the fusion of developing sections of the body in the embryo. Sometimes a dermoid cyst may develop after an injury. Surgical removal is best undertaken by a plastic surgeon.
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1. a type of epidermal cyst, usually present at birth along a line of embryonic fusion such as the middorsal, midventral, or branchial cleft; it represents a disorder of embryologic development, usually involves the head or neck (especially around the eyes), and is lined with stratified squamous epithelium containing cutaneous appendages, including hair. Called also dermoid. 2. a benign teratoma of the ovary, usually found in young women, presumably derived from ectodermal differentiation of totipotential cells, lined by apparent skin and its adnexal structures, usually filled with sebaceous, caseous material and hair. Called also benign cystic, cystic, or mature teratoma and dermoid.Medical dictionary. 2011.