Bilateral dermoid cysts of the ovary in a pregnant woman: case report and review of the literature

Most nonphysiological ovarian masses discovered during pregnancy are benign dermoid cysts. The association of dermoid cysts with pregnancy has been increasingly reported since 1918. They usually present the dilemma of weighing the risks of surgery and anesthesia versus the risks of untreated adnexal mass. We are reporting an illustrative case and presenting a review of the literature for recommendations regarding the management of such cases. The bilateral dermoid cysts were surgically treated in the second trimester. Most references state that it is more feasible to treat bilateral dermoid cysts of the ovaries discovered during pregnancy if they grow beyond 6 cm in diameter. This is usually performed through laparotomy or very carefully through laparoscopy and should preferably be done in the second trimester.