Intermetatarsophalangeal bursitis induced by a plantar epidermal cyst

Giant Plantar Epidermoid Cyst with Invasion of the Interosseous Muscles

Epidermoid cysts of the sole of the foot are rare lesions that must be differentiated from other, more common subcutaneous pathologic abnormalities located on the sole. Cases of epidermoid cysts that extend to the interosseous musculature are rarer still. We report the case of a giant epidermal cyst in a 64-year-old individual that extended to the intrinsic musculature of the third space of the right foot and that was diagnosed after fine-needle aspiration biopsy and subsequent cytologic study. Differential diagnosis of these lesions should be made with the support of additional imaging tests, and diagnostic confirmation should always be obtained after surgical removal and subsequent histopathologic study.

Pseudotumoral appearance of a ruptured epidermal cyst in the foot

We present a case of keratin granuloma due to a ruptured epidermal cyst, occurring in the foot, in a 52-year-old woman. The patient presented with a history of a slow-growing lump in the web space of the foot that had been present for over a year. Imaging appearances suggested a soft tissue neoplasm. Clinical presentation, radiological features and histopathological findings are described, and the relevant literature is reviewed.

Epidermoid cyst mimicking monoarticular arthritis of the great toe

Local swellings of the foot are a common presentation in rheumatological practice. In the following case report, an epidermoid cyst presenting with the typical features of monoarticular arthritis is described in a 27-year-old woman. The differential diagnosis of forefoot swelling is discussed, with particular emphasis on epidermoid cysts and monoarticular arthritis.

Giant epidermoid cyst on the forefoot

BACKGROUND

Epidermoid cysts are the most common cysts of the skin, usually appearing in the hairy regions. However, epidermoid cysts on the non-hair-bearing areas, such as the palms and the soles, are rare and seldom reach a size of more than 5 cm in diameter.

OBJECTIVE

To present a patient with an epidermoid cyst of unusual location and size.

METHODS

A 23-year-old woman with a painless tumorlike mass on her right forefoot was examined and the mass was excised.

RESULTS

The 6.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm mass was totally excised. Histologic diagnosis was reported as an epidermoid cyst.

CONCLUSION

An original case regarding an unusual location and size of an epidermoid cyst is presented.