Isolated Epithelial Cysts of the Uvula in Children: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts are unusual benign cysts that occur in the oral cavity less than 2% of the time. Epidermoid cysts isolated to the uvula are rare. A review of the literature has revealed only three confirmed cases of isolated uvular epidermoid cysts. We present a series of three such cases, two of which presented with significant symptomatology. The diagnosis and management of these unusual lesions will be discussed, as well as the differential diagnosis.

Epithelial cyst of the soft palate

“…Epithelial cysts are benign, and rarely occur in the oral cavity. The origin of this type of cyst is uncertain, but it is likely that these lesions arise from sequestration of ectoderm during midline closure of the embryogenic fissure [1,3]. The majority of epithelial cysts in the oral cavity and pharyngeal or cervical regions are presumed to arise from ectoderm sequestration during fusion of the first and second branchial arches.…”

“…The majority of epithelial cysts in the oral cavity and pharyngeal or cervical regions are presumed to arise from ectoderm sequestration during fusion of the first and second branchial arches. Fusion of the lateral processes of the first branchial arch can also produce these lesions [1][2][3]. Epithelial cysts that arise in the soft palate/uvula area may develop during fusion of the palatine plates, which grow from the maxillary processes to the midline to form the palate.…”

“…The differential diagnosis for any patient with a cystic lesion in the uvula region should include dermoid, teratoma, mucocele, inclusion cyst, and branchial cleft cyst [1,7]. Branchial cleft cysts lying against the pharyngeal wall or in the palatine tonsil are extremely rare.…”

“…Most epithelial cysts in this location are found in the anterior floor of the mouth; the soft palate is very rarely affected. First report about epithelial cyst in the oral cavity was seen in 1970 [1][2][3][4]. Here we present a case of epithelial cyst of the soft palate.…”

Congenital Epidermoid Cyst Arising in Soft Palate Near Uvula: A Case Report

“…Among cysts of the head and neck, incidence in the stomatognathic region is highest in the floor of the mouth and lowest in the soft palate 9) . To the best of our knowledge, only six reports have described cysts involving the uvula or soft palate 1,2,5,8,10,11) . Cysts often develop slowly and asymptomatically, but when they arise in the floor of the mouth of infants, respiration and feeding disorders can result 7) .…”