Skin & Soft Tissue: Dermoid Cyst

Basics

• Benign Congenital Anomaly in Infants & Young Children
• Caused by Failure of Fusion Between Skin Layers
• Contain Epidermal & Dermal Tissues (Hair, Hair Follicles, Keratinocytes, Fluid & Sweat Glands)

Presentation 

• Firm Subcutaneous Cystic Nodule
• Normal Overlying Skin
• Diameter 0.5-6.0 cm
• May Be Associated with a Pit/Sinus Tract
• Located Along Embryonic Fusion Lines (Face, Scalp & Spine)
• Most Common Sites: Anterior Fontanelle, Submental & Upper Outer Forehead Near Eyebrow

Diagnosis

• Clinical (Based on History and Physical Exam)
• May Consider Imaging (US, CT or MRI)
• May Require Biopsy

Treatment

• Primary Treatment: Surgical Resection