Dermoid Cyst of Nasal Tip with a Sinus Tract Extending to the Intracranium: A Case Report

Abstract

Nasal dermoid cysts are rare congenital anomalies that affect one in 20,000 to one in 40,000 individuals. Herein, we report a case of an initially misdiagnosed nasal dermoid cyst with intracranial extension. Among nasal dermoids, the lesion of the nasal tip is considered uncommon. Therefore, this should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of midline nasal masses, and a proper diagnostic approach should be taken.

Nasal Dermoid Cyst with Sinus Tract Intranasal Bone: A Case Report

“…They are commonly located along the midline of the nasal bridge or in the area between the eyebrows, known as the glabella. The presence of a sinus tract indicates a connection between the cyst and the intra-nasal bone, potentially leading to infection, recurrent inflammation, and the formation of abscesses [3]. A study involving 18 patients with sinus tracts showed that most sinuses were midline and resulted in infections that accounted for 50% of referrals with discharges.…”

“…However, the exact cause of dermoid cysts is not fully understood. One theory for nasal dermoid cysts is that in the early embryonic development, the dura gets in contact with the skin due to abnormal tissue migration during embryonic development, and they separate as the frontal bone forms between them, resulting in separation failure and eventual cyst formation [3].…”