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Have You Ever Heard of a "Sack of Marbles" Growing on Someone's Head?

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The woman had a painless scalp swelling, resembling a "sack of marbles" filled with hair, fluid, and keratin balls. Surgically removed. No recurrence.

Highlights:
  • Doctors in Bengaluru recently operated on a woman with a rare condition
  • She had a bulging growth on her head that looked like a cluster of marbles
  • The woman aged 52, had this swelling since childhood but didn't seek medical help until now
Doctors in Bengaluru recently operated on a woman with a rare condition where she had a bulging growth on her head that looked like a 'sack of marbles.' The woman, aged 52, had this swelling since childhood but didn't seek medical help until now.

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Examining The Painless Swelling Resembling ‘Sack of Marble’

On examining the cyst, it was noted that this type of dermoid cyst is painless, and it gradually grew to about 6 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and nearly 5 inches in height.
An MRI scan showed that the growth was like a fleshy hair bun on the back of her head. During the surgery, the doctors found that the growth contained fluid, hair, fatty molecules with thick outer rims, and varying size balls of a protein called keratin.

Keratin is the protein that makes up hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. These types of growths develop from embryonic cells, are called dermoid cysts, and can contain hair, teeth, or nerves. They are usually benign and painless but can cause problems like infections and damage to nearby bones.

The reason for the woman's delay in seeking medical attention was not disclosed. However, after the successful surgical removal of the growth, her progress was monitored for six months, and there was no recurrence.

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Performing the Remarkable Surgery to Remove the ‘Sack of Marble” from the Woman’s Head

The surgical removal of the dermoid cyst on the woman's head was carried out by a team of skilled doctors at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Bengaluru. The procedure was successful, and the patient experienced a smooth recovery post-surgery.

Dermoid cyst removal is generally a straightforward procedure, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks involved, such as infection or damage to surrounding tissues. However, in this particular case, the woman experienced no complications, and her wound healed well.

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Understanding Dermoid Cysts in Detail

A dermoid cyst is a type of cyst that is quite common, especially in the head and neck region. It is commonly found as the dermoid cyst of the forehead, dermoid cyst on the head, spinal dermoid cyst, dermoid cyst in the neck (adults), dermoid cyst ovary with teeth, dermoid cyst forehead, and dermoid cyst in the ovary.

Other common varieties of dermoid cysts, as per their location, include dermoid cysts in the eyelids, dermoid cysts in the eyebrows, dermoid cysts in the scalp in adults, dermoid cysts in the sweat glands, and around the spinal cord region (1 Trusted Source
Dermoid Cyst

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).

Can a Dermoid Cyst be Cancerous?

Ovarian dermoid cysts, also known as ovarian teratomas, are rare, and they can contain a variety of tissues, including hair, teeth, and even structures that resemble eyes.

Despite their unusual composition, most ovarian dermoid cysts are benign, but in rare cases, they can be cancerous , especially in ovaries. Regular medical check-ups, early detection, and removing the cyst are crucial in managing such conditions.

Warning Signs and Diagnosis of the Dermoid Cyst


Early detection of dermoid cysts is essential to prevent potential complications. Symptoms of dermoid cysts on the ovaries may include abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual patterns.

In some cases, dermoid cysts can rupture, causing severe pain and possible infection. Medical professionals can diagnose dermoid cysts through physical examinations and imaging techniques like MRI scans. If a dermoid cyst is detected, appropriate treatment, such as surgical removal, may be recommended based on the cyst's size and location.

To conclude, the case of the woman with a "sack of marble" growth on her head highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for unusual and persistent swellings or growths. Dermoid cysts, though rare and often benign, can lead to complications if left untreated.

Thanks to the expertise of the medical team in Bengaluru, the woman's condition was successfully addressed, and she experienced a full recovery.

As medical knowledge continues to advance, early detection and effective treatments can make all the difference in managing such extraordinary cases.

Reference:
  1. Dermoid Cyst - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560573/)


Source-Medindia


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