Received 3 August 2014; revised 3 September 2014; accepted 30 September 2014

ABSTRACT

Dermoid cysts are uncommon congenital or acquired developmental cystic malformations that were usually seen in the midline of frontal region and the anterior fontanel. Congenital forms develop from the remnants of the epithelium or ectodermal membranous bone growth line. We report here a case of a congenital frontal dermoid cyst that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lipoma and neurofibroma. Dermoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all nodular cyst-like lesions in the head and neck region. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis by means of Computerized Tomography scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging facilitate successful treatment.

Keywords:

Dermoid Cyst, Congenital, Surgical Procedure, Operative

1. Introduction

Dermoid cyst is a cystic teratoma that contains developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands, sometimes clumps of long hair, and often pockets of sebum, blood, fat, bone, nails, teeth, eyes, cartilage, and thyroid tissue [1] . Dermoid cysts are uncommon congenital or acquired developmental cystic malformations that were usually seen in the midline of frontal region and the anterior fontanel [2] . Congenital forms develop from the remnants of the epithelium or ectodermal membranous bone growth line. We report here a case of a congenital frontal dermoid cyst.

2. Case Report

1-year-old boy admitted to our department with the complaints of the growing swelling in the midline of frontal region. Neurological and physical examination was unremarkable and anterior fontanelle nearly closed. Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a bone eroded, 3 × 3.5 cm sized lesion in front of the midline of the anterior fontanelle (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The relationship between lesion and sagittal sinus was assessed and there was no connection between them. The patient was operated with the prediagnosis of dermoid cyst. The cystic lesion was completely circumscribed and excised without any tearing. Bone erosion was found at the bottom of the cyst (Figure 3).

3. Discussion

Adeloye and Xu X.L. described this malformation clearly [3] . Dermoid cyst is a benign cystic teratoma that contains developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands, sometimes clumps of long hair, and often pockets of sebum, blood, fat, bone, nails, teeth, eyes, cartilage, and thyroid tissue [1] . The cyst fluid should be clear or yellow color. The content of cyst fluid is composed of potassium chloride, sodium and glucose. Dermoid cysts occur as a result of a failure of ectoderm development in the third and fifth week of embryogenesis [4] .

MRI and CT scan are most effective imaging methods to demonstrate the intracranial or extracranial location of the cyst and relationship between bone tissue and in differential diagnosis. Dermoid cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of all nodular cyst-like lesions in the head and neck region such as encephalocele, meningocele, hemangioma, lipoma, hematoma, sebaceous cyst, pilonidal cyst and sinus pericranii. In our case cystic lesion was on the extracranial location and MRI and CT scan revealed a bone eroded, 3 × 3.5 cm sized lesion in front of the midline of the anterior fontanelle. The relationship between lesion and sagittal sinus was assessed and there was no connection between them.

Bartlett et al. defined a treatment algorithm based on the potential extension of the lesions to the contiguous structures. They found that the frontotemporal dermoid cysts with definable margins are superficial, slow-growing masses that can be excised, preferably by a lid crease incision [5] . We used this frontal incision and the cystic lesion was completely circumscribed and excised without any tearing.

4. Conclusion

Dermoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all nodular cyst-like lesions in the head and neck region. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis by means of CT scan or MRI facilitate successful treatment.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper. We have no source or support on this study.

References

NOTES

^*Corresponding author.