Dermoid cyst of the nose: a case report and review of the literature

Frontotemporal Dermal Sinus Tract with 2 Connected Intradiploic Dermoid Cysts: A Rare Case and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Frontotemporal dermal sinus tracts with associated dermoid cysts are very rare, with only 1 found in the largest series to date and 10 total documented case reports.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present the first case to our knowledge of a dermal sinus tract associated with 2 intradiploic dermoid cysts in the rare location of the pterion and sphenosquamosal suture. The patient was a 15-month-old girl presenting with periorbital cellulitis who was found to have 2 connected intradiploic cysts on radiographic imaging. The mass was excised, and pathology was consistent with a ruptured dermoid cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

We review of the literature and argue for early identification and prophylactic surgical resection to avoid complications associated with infection and to mitigate risk of subtotal resection.

[Nasal dermoïd cyst with intracranial extension: which approach?]

Dermoïd cyst is the most common midline congenital nasal tumor. Intracranial extension is rare but possible, must be suspected and confirmed by a cerebral magnetic resonance imagining (MRI). Only total surgical removal via a combined intracranial/extracranial approach appears to provide a complete resolution and effective protection against late recurrence. We report a case of a 2 years old patient who was operated for a nasal congenital cyst extending to the nasal septum. Anatomopathology showed a dermoïd cyst. Five years later, he presented local recurrence of the dermoïd cyst with intracranial extension through a bifid crista galli. We conclude that to avoid recurrence, the removal of the nasal cyst and sinus tract must be followed to its dural attachment. A transfacial approach can be associated with frontal craniotomy, which can provide adequate exposure for complete removal of the intracranial component of the cyst and sinus tract. A literature review was performed.

Cutaneous cysts of the head and neck

PURPOSE

A retrospective study on the features of cutaneous cysts of the head and neck as seen in a North Jordanian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of the Department of Pathology at Jordan University of Science and Technology were reviewed for patients with cutaneous cysts of the head and neck during the 12-year period extending between 1991 and 2002. Applicable records were retrieved, reviewed, and analyzed. Primary analysis outcome measures included patient age, gender, location of the cyst, type, clinical presentation, and treatment. The records of 488 patients were available for analysis.

RESULTS

Epidermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion (49%) followed by pilar cysts (27%), and dermoid cysts (22%). The site affected most frequently was the scalp (34%), predominantly with pilar cysts (96%). Epidermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion in the neck (68%), cheeks (77%), periauricular area (70%), and the nasal area (55%). Dermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion in the periorbital area (52%). Females represented 51% of the patients and males accounted for 49%. The peak of age distribution for patients with dermoid cysts was at the first decade, and both of epidermoid and pilar cysts peaked at the third decade. Infection presented in 2.5% of cases. All cysts were enucleated surgically.

CONCLUSION

Maxillofacial surgeons often encounter cutaneous cysts of the head and neck, and they must be familiar with the clinicopathologic characteristics of these lesions.

Nasal dermoid sinus cyst

Midline congenital abnormalities of the skin may be related to subjacent visceral developmental defects. We report on three unrelated children presenting a small midline pit on the bridge of the nose from which a small tuft of hair was emerging. This presentation is the hallmark of a nasal dermoid sinus cyst. In one of the patients the sinus tract was connected to the anterior cerebral fossa and required neurosurgical management. Although midline cutaneous abnormalities may look trivial, dermatologists should keep a high index of suspicion for possible association with more severe underlying defect. The diagnosis of nasal dermoid sinus cyst requires appropriate imaging studies to determine the extension of the sinus tract thus allowing proper management.

Temporal dermoids: three cases and a modified treatment algorithm

Congenital orbitofacial dermoids can be segregated into frontotemporal, orbital, and nasoglabellar regions. Although 10% to 45% of nasoglabellar dermoids present with sinus tracts and occasional intracranial extension, it is rare for frontotemporal dermoids to do so. Frontotemporal dermoids typically manifest as superficial, slow-growing masses that are treated by simple excision. In this retrospective review of 24 patients with congenital orbitofacial dermoids, the authors noted three cases of temporal dermoids with sinus tracts and bony involvement. All three patients were female, with an average presenting age of 4.2 years. Two lesions appeared on the left and one on the right. Each lesion involved the sphenotemporal suture, requiring debridement of the outer cranial table to prevent recurrence. In light of their experience, the authors offer an amendment to the current treatment algorithm for congenital orbitofacial dermoids. A congenital frontotemporal dermoid with a sinus tract should have preoperative radiological evaluation with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to define the pathological anatomy. If bony invasion exists, aggressive exposure and resection of at least the outer cranial table is necessary to prevent recurrence. Temporal dermoids may represent a distinct entity that requires a separation classification from frontotemporal dermoids.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts and the role of open rhinoplasty

All suspected congenital abnormalities of the nose require further evaluation. The nasal dermoid sinus cyst (NDSC) is one of the many midline nasal masses that often pose diagnostic and treatment dilemmas for the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. NDSCs are distinct from other facial dermoids in their potential for involving deeper contiguous structures, and intracranial extension. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to avoid craniofacial skeletal deformation, cyst rupture, and infection that could cause cutaneous, ocular, or intracranial complications. A comprehensive discussion of the embryogenesis, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and surgical management of the NDSC is presented to delineate the role of open rhinoplasty in optimizing the management of this congenital nasal deformity.

Autosomal dominant familial frontonasal dermoid cysts: a mother and her identical twin daughters

A dermoid cyst is an ectodermal cyst that contains an epithelial lining as well as adnexal structures, and may occur in numerous areas of the body. The nasal dermoid accounts for 1% of all dermoid cysts and 3-12% of head and neck dermoid cysts. While there have been familial cases reported, a genetic inheritance for nasal dermoids has not been suggested. We present the first reported case of a mother and her identical twin daughters who were all found to have evidence of frontonasal dermoid cysts. Our case and a review of literature seem to implicate an autosomal dominant inheritance in certain instances of nasal dermoids.

Cutaneous signs of neural tube dysraphism

Cutaneous markers have a crucial role in the detection and diagnosis of occult neural tube dysraphism. Recognition of these stigmata and appropriate radiologic imaging decrease the long-term morbidity of this condition.

Birthmarks to worry about. Cutaneous markers of dysraphism

Most birthmarks are benign lesions of little concern. On rare occasions, though, congenital cutaneous lesions may indicate an underlying systemic disorder. This article provides an overview of midline cutaneous lesions that are associated with underlying cranial and spina dysraphic conditions.

Deep frontotemporal dermoid cyst presenting as a discharging sinus: a case report and review of literature

The commonest location for dermoid cysts in the head and neck is at the frontotemporal or brow region. They usually present as discrete slow growing masses located superficially at the angle of the brow. The presentation as a discharging sinus in the frontotemporal region is rare. In contrast, it is common for nasal dermoids to present as sinuses or fistulae (10-45%) and with a tract extending deep to involve the underlying bone or intracranium. In view of their differences in presentation, preoperative CT scans are generally recommended for the nasal dermoids but not for the frontotemporal dermoids. We report a rare case of a deep frontotemporal dermoid cyst presenting as a discharging sinus at the right temporal region in a girl aged 2 years and 6 months. It had a sinus tract extending deep to form an intraosseous cyst in the frontal and sphenoid bone. The base of the cyst was attached to the dura of the middle cranial fossa. Only a few similar cases were reported in the literature. In the light of our experience with this case, we recommend that this rare type of frontotemporal cyst sinus be operated only after a CT or MRI scan.