Large lateral dermoid cyst mimicking plunging ranula: A case report and intraoral approach to surgical management

Abstract

Introduction: Dermoid cysts are benign cystic teratomas with epithelial lined cavities, bearing hair follicles, hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and occasionally tissues derived from the mesoderm. Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth are relatively rare but when they occur, are commonly restricted to one anatomic zone and in the midline region. They are treated surgically. Case Report: We present a case of a lateral dermoid cyst mimicking a plunging ranula extending from the upper part of the neck, on the right side, upwards into the sub-mandibular region and via a hiatus in the mylohyoid muscle into the floor of the mouth, in a 24-year-old Ghanaian male. Conclusion: The treatment of dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth is surgical, using either an intraoral, extra oral or both approaches depending on the localization