Dermoid cysts. Also called teratomas, these can contain tissue, such as hair, skin or teeth because they form from embryonic cells. They're rarely cancerous.

Dermoid cyst of the ovary is a bizarre tumor, usually benign, in the ovary that typically contains a diversity of tissues including hair, teeth, bone, thyroid, etc. A dermoid cyst develops from a totipotential germ cell (a primary oocyte) that is retained within the ovary. Being totipotential, that cell can give rise to all orders of cells necessary to form mature tissues and often recognizable structures such as hair, bone, and sebaceous material, neural tissue and teeth. ​

This video demonstrates how to perform safe Ovarian Dermoid Cystectomy without Spillage by Dr. R K Mishra at World Laparoscopy Hospital.

Experienced laparoscopic surgeons should consider laparoscopy as an alternative to laparotomy in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts in selected cases. Laparoscopy should be considered as a method of choice for the removal of ovarian dermoid cysts. It should be performed by surgeons with considerable experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Women have two ovaries each about the size and shape of almond on each side of the uterus. Eggs (ova), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years.

Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappears without treatment within a few months.