Dermoid cysts: Epidemiology and diagnostic approach based on clinical experiences

BACKGROUND: Dermoid cysts are congenital tumors that are benign. Dermoid cysts with intracranial extension can cause serious neurological complications. It is important, therefore, to determine whether a patient has a dermoid cyst when their chief concern at a doctor’s visit is a mass in the head or neck area. In this study, we present a literature review of dermoid cysts and an analysis of the authors’ experiences, with the goal of providing guidance useful for the diagnosis and treatment of dermoid cysts. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 62 patients who visited the two medical clinics with which the authors are affiliated. The patients were enrolled between October 2003 and January 2017. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients analyzed in this study, 32 were 0 to 5 years of age (52%) and 23 were 17 years of age or older (37%). Forty-seven patients underwent 1 or more imaging study during the process of diagnosis. Thirty-two patients were suspected to have a dermoid cyst. Forty-nine patients were analyzed to determine the depth of the cyst. Bone was seen in 43 patients through imaging tests or during actual surgery, and nine of the 43 had bony problems (21%). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that dermoid cysts were present in many adults, and that a high rate of deep lesions was observed, as well as many cases in which even the bone was affected. These results suggest, therefore, that dermoid cysts should be considered, and medical professionals should actively conduct imaging studies.