Sublingual dermoid cyst: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

<p>Dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth are relatively uncommon developmental lesions. They generally arise in the midline along the lines of embryonic fusion of the facial processes containing ectodermal tissue. We report a case of 24 year old lady with a Sublingual dermoid cyst which was surgically excised.</p>

Sublingual Dermoid in an Adult Patient

“…These cysts originate from ectodermal tissue remnants during embryonic development, are lined with stratified squamous epithelium, and contain a variety of ectodermal derivatives such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands along the lines of embryonic fusion [ 1 ]. They are commonly between the first and second branchial arches during the first four weeks of development [ 2 ]. This ectodermal tissue proliferates, forming a cystic structure containing its derivatives anywhere in the body.…”

“…Patients are mostly present in infancy, childhood, or the first decade of life. It is occasionally seen in adults with symptoms of difficulty chewing, swallowing, or dysphonia if the cyst grows significantly in size [ 2 , 3 ]. Patients with sublingual dermoid cysts clinically present as painless, slowly and progressively enlarging cystic midline mass beneath the tongue.…”

“…Dermoid cysts that appear on the floor of the mouth are a rare benign congenital anomaly [ 1 ]. During embryonic development, either entrapment of the germinal epithelium, i.e., ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal elements, or failure of separation of the ectoderm from the mesoderm during the third to fifth weeks of gestation along the lines of embryonic fusion, can occur anywhere in the body [ 1 , 2 ]. About 80% of dermoid arises from the ovaries, testis, and sacral regions [ 2 ].…”

“…During embryonic development, either entrapment of the germinal epithelium, i.e., ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal elements, or failure of separation of the ectoderm from the mesoderm during the third to fifth weeks of gestation along the lines of embryonic fusion, can occur anywhere in the body [ 1 , 2 ]. About 80% of dermoid arises from the ovaries, testis, and sacral regions [ 2 ]. However, dermoid cysts can occasionally present in abnormal locations, such as the floor of the mouth, implying diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.…”

“…However, dermoid cysts can occasionally present in abnormal locations, such as the floor of the mouth, implying diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Sublingual dermoid cysts are intensely rare, documented for 1-1.6% of all of them, and are located beneath the tongue [ 2 , 3 ]. Here, we are reporting a case of an abnormal location of a sublingual dermoid cyst.…”