Dermoid cyst
Pathology
- Dermoid cyst
- Skin-lined cyst deep to the skin
- May be congenital or acquired
- Congenital: due to developemental inclusion of epidermis along lines of fusion of skin dermatomes therefore commonly found at:
- medial and lateral ends of eyebrows
- Midline of nose
- Midline of neck and trunk
- Suspect if you see a wee little toddler
- Acquired
- Due to forced implantation of skin into subcutaneous tissues following injury
- Normally found in areas of body prone to injru such as fingers
- Suspect if you see an adult in the exam
Approach
- Examine as for any lump
- Inspect
- Smooth spherical swelling
- Look for associated scar from previous injury
- Palpate
- Soft
- May fluctuate
- Non-tender
Completion
- How cyst affects life
- Whether the patient has had a previous injury - if suspected acquired cyst
Treatment
- Congenital
- Complete excision
- Full extent of cyst should be established with suitable radiographic views
- Acquired
- Complete excision of cyst
