DERMOID OVARIAN CYSTS (teratomas) are one of the most common types of cysts found in women, especially between age 20 and 40 years. A dermoid cyst contains different types of tissues that make up the body and can contain teeth, hair, and/or fat. Most dermoid cysts are benign, but very rarely, they can be cancerous. Dermoid cysts can be surgically removed through laparoscopy or laparotomy. After ovarian cystectomy, dermoid cysts can recur. Surgical management may involve removal of the entire affected ovary. Cyst rupture/spillage of the contents of a dermoid cyst can cause peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs of the abdomen/pelvis. Dermoid cysts are also at risk for ovarian torsion, where the cyst/ovary can twist on itself, occluding the blood supply. Ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency. Pelvic ultrasound with Doppler can identify lack of blood flow to the ovary; however, ovarian torsion is a clinical diagnosis and the presence of blood flow does not exclude the possibility ovarian torsion. Larger cysts (over 6 cm) are more likely to torse.