I had a dermoid cyst removed last June via a laparotomy. I was just told that this cyst has reappeared. Is this normal? What are the chances that it will return again? Can a cyst like this affect my fertility? --Isabella

Dermoid cysts are the result of an egg in your ovary that starts growing without having been fertilized by a sperm. These tumors or cysts are most often benign (noncancerous), but on rare occasions a cancer can be seen. The tumors contain developing skin, bone, nerves, hair and even teeth. In up to 25 percent of women, they are bilateral (present in both ovaries). Recurrence is rare but may certainly occur.

The presence of any cyst in your ovary may interfere with ovulation, but the greatest risk is that surgery may result in the development of scar tissue (adhesions) that bind the ovary and fallopian tube, making it more difficult for the fallopian tube to pick up the egg after ovulation. For this reason, most gynecologists prefer a laparoscopic approach to removing cysts.