Clinical Characteristics of Idiopathic Epidermoid and Dermoid Cysts of the Ear

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are benign cystic lesions, lined by ectodermal squamous epithelium. They are not common in the head and neck areas, which constitute ~7% of all cases of epidermoid and dermoid cysts. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of epidermoid and dermoid cysts that developed around the ear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients confirmed histologically as idiopathic epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the ear from January 2011 to December 2015. RESULTS: Total 15 cases consisted of 14 epidermoid cysts and only 1 dermoid cyst. There were 11 males and 4 females (mean age of 37.8±16.8 years old). Right side was 7 cases and left was 8. The cyst was located at the lobule in 4 cases, at the ear canal in 4 cases, at the preauricular area in 4 cases, and at the postauricular area in 3 cases. In cases of epidermoid cysts, there was no significant difference in age, sex, and size according to the location. Patients with cysts on helix were younger than others. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that most cutaneous cysts developing around the ear were epidermoid cysts and there was no site preference for occurrence of epidermoid cysts.