Dermoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a dermoid cyst. The word is spelled as ‘der-moid-ec-to-my’ with the phonetic transcription /dərˌmɔɪˈdɛktəmi/. The first syllable ‘der’ is pronounced as /dər/ with a silent ‘m’. The second syllable ‘moid’ is pronounced as /ˈmɔɪd/ with a long ‘o’ sound. The third syllable ‘ec’ is pronounced as /ˈɛkt/ with a short ‘e’ sound. The fourth syllable ‘to’ is pronounced as /tə/ with a schwa sound. The last syllable ‘my’ is pronounced as /mɪ/ with a short ‘i’ sound.
Dermoidectomy is a medical procedure performed to remove a dermoid cyst from the body. A dermoid cyst is a benign growth that can develop in various parts of the body, typically originating from embryonic cells that produce skin and hair. It is a type of teratoma, a tumor-like growth composed of different types of tissue.
The dermoidectomy procedure involves making an incision in the skin to access the dermoid cyst. The cyst is carefully dissected and removed, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding structures. The surgery is typically conducted under general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains pain-free and unconscious throughout the procedure.
The most common locations for dermoid cysts are the ovaries, face, neck, and spinal column, but they can potentially occur anywhere in the body. These cysts can vary in size and may contain structures such as hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. While most dermoid cysts are harmless and do not cause symptoms, they may grow in size over time, potentially causing discomfort or interfering with the function of surrounding organs.
It is important to undergo a dermoidectomy if the cyst becomes symptomatic, infected, or if there are concerns about potential complications. The surgery is generally considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures. A skilled surgeon with experience in dermoidectomy is crucial for ensuring a successful outcome.
Operative removal of a dermoid cyst.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "dermoidectomy" is derived from the combination of two roots: "dermoid" and "ectomy".
1. "Dermoid" is derived from the Greek word "derma" meaning "skin" and the suffix "-oid" meaning "resembling" or "like". In medicine, "dermoid" refers to a type of cyst or tumor that develops from germ cells (cells that can form different tissues).
2. "Ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē" meaning "to cut out" or "excision". It is a suffix used in medical terminology to indicate the removal or excision of a specific part or organ.
By combining "dermoid" with the suffix "-ectomy", the word "dermoidectomy" is formed. It refers to the surgical removal or excision of a dermoid cyst or tumor.