Nasal dermoid sinus cysts in adults

Abstract

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSC) are rare congenital lesions that most frequently present in children, but have been reported in adults. This article reviews adult (more than 16 years of age) nasal dermoid sinus cysts as they present, their radiological investigation, surgical approach and outcome. Thirty-eight previously published cases are reviewed, to which a further six cases are added. All 44 cases are tabulated and reviewed. The risk of intracranial extension is 27.5 per cent, especially men with a dermal sinus. Recurrences are likely if the NDSC is not completely excised. Curative treatment is surgical. It is recommended that all adults who present with a dermal cyst and/or sinus in the region of the nasal dorsum should be investigated by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MRI). This is to delineate deep tissue involvement and to exclude a possible associated intracranial extension, prior to recommending surgical excision.

Access to the crista galli and the foramen caecum in nasal dermal sinus cysts – lessons learned in a single tertiary care centre

“…Most publications on NDSC are case reports, small series of patients or reviews (5,10,(12)(13)(14)20) . Larger published series either combined ectodermal and neuroectodermal masses or they summarized di erent malformations under the label of NDSC (8,9,11) .…”

“…The approach for NDSC is still controversial. Several techniques have been suggested, including transfacial, open rhinoplasty and coronal approaches (5,(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) .…”

Endoscopic resection of intracranial dermoid cysts

“…1 They are congenital and usually present between the ages of 14 and 34 months, 2 but many examples of adult presentation have been reported. 2,3,5 One retrospective study of surgical resection of nasal dermoids found that 27.5 per cent of adults who presented with a nasal dermoid cyst had intracranial extension. 2,3,5 One retrospective study of surgical resection of nasal dermoids found that 27.5 per cent of adults who presented with a nasal dermoid cyst had intracranial extension.…”

“…3,4 The incidence of intracranial extension of dermoids varies from 5 to 45 per cent. 3 A number of techniques have been described for the treatment of nasal dermoid tumours. 3 A number of techniques have been described for the treatment of nasal dermoid tumours.…”

Excision of nasal dermoids with intracranial extension—Anterior small window craniotomy approach

“…The differential diagnosis includes dermoid cyst, epidermoid cyst, haemangioma, teratoma, neurofibroma, lipoma, encephalocoele and glioma. They usually present in infancy but there have been reports of presentation in adulthood [4,5]. These lesions generally occur sporadically but familial inheritance has been described [6].…”