A dermoid cyst is present at birth. But it may be years before you notice it because they grow slowly. Dermoid cysts do not go away on their own. They may get bigger with time or become infected.

What happens if a dermoid cyst is not removed?

One of the main concerns with a dermoid cyst is that it can rupture and cause an infection of the surrounding tissue. Spinal dermoid cysts that are left untreated may grow large enough to injure the spinal cord or nerves. While ovarian dermoid cysts are usually noncancerous, they can grow quite large.

At what age can a dermoid cyst be removed?

Dermoid cysts tend to enlarge slowly over time and therefore treatment often includes surgery to remove the cyst. In most cases, the surgeon will recommend waiting until the child is at least 6 months old to undergo surgery. The cyst is removed through a simple incision in the skin.