Dermoid and Epidermoid Cysts: A Case Series

Abstract

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the skin are commonly encountered in surgical practice. Epidermoid cysts and dermoid cysts are uncommon developmental and acquired cystic malformations. Dermoid and epidermoid cysts occur less frequently in the head and neck region. These cysts constitute for 1.6 to 6.9% of all cysts in the head and neck area. However, the intraoral epidermoid and dermoid cysts are very rare and account for less than 0.01% of all cysts in the oral cavity. Here we present a series of five cases of dermoid and epidermoid cysts. The study was carried out on histopathologically diagnosed cases of epidermoid cysts and dermoid cysts were retrieved from the archives of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from a period of 2015 to 2018. Four cases of epidermoid cysts and one case of dermoid cyst were reported. This article mentions the distinguishing histopathological features of these two cysts which help the surgeon to carry out a definitive treatment protocol.