[Dermoid cysts of the ovary]

Primordial germinative cell differentiation anomalies give rise to a whole array of generally benign ovarian tumours which are sometimes of glandular structure and functionally active. In certain cases, they deviate from their normal proliferative line and give rise to malignant tumours of various histological nature. Attention is called to the malignant variations of dermoid cysts and to the importance of careful differential diagnosis for the purpose of correct surgical conduct.