Epidermoid Cysts of Head and Neck

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Epidermoid cysts are ectoderm lined inclusion cysts which can be present anywhere in the body, but are rare in head and neck. Objectives: Although only 7% of the epidermoid cysts occur in head and neck region they are a part of differential diagnosis of neck swellings. Materials and methods: Cases which were proven as dermoid or epidermoid cysts by FNAC or by histopathology. Observation: Male patients were more affected than female patients. CONCLUSION: Complete removal should be carried out to prevent recurrence. INTRODUCTION:Dermoids and epidermoid are ectoderm lined inclusion cysts that differ in complexity. Epidermoid contain squamous epithelium only whereas dermoids contain hair, sebaceous and sweat glands along with squamous epithelium. Both arise from trapped pouches of ectoderm, near normal folds or from failure of surface ectoderm to separate from the neural tube. These slowly expanding, unilocular cystic masses usually produce mild symptoms 1 . Only 7% of them occur in head and neck region 2 . They commonly occur in the orbit, calvarial diploic space and intracranially 1 . In this study we present a series of dermoid and epidermoid cysts who presented to our institution over a period of one year.