Pediatric dermoid cysts of the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
To review the characteristics and determine treatment outcomes of pediatric dermoid cysts.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of all pediatric dermoid cysts of the head and neck examined between 1980 and 2002 at Mayo Clinic.


RESULTS
Forty-nine patients (59% girls) had a dermoid cyst of the head and neck. The median age at diagnosis was 22 months. The most common presenting sign was a palpable mass, noted in 100% of patients. During evaluation, approximately 25 patients (51%) had imaging studies. The most common location of the cysts was periorbital (61%), followed by the neck (18%; including 1 submental cyst). Various surgical approaches were chosen. In 2 patients (4%), the dermoid cyst had an intracranial extension. Only 1 patient experienced recurrence. The median pathologic diameter of the cysts was 1.2 cm.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermoid cysts are unusual neoplasms that often present in childhood, with the orbit being the area most commonly affected in the head and neck region. Imaging studies help rule out an intracranial or intraorbital extension. With complete excision, recurrence is unusual. Significance Our review will assist both primary care physicians and subspecialists in diagnosing and treating dermoid cysts.
Pryor
Shepherd G
SG
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Lewis
Jean E
JE
Weaver
Amy L
AL
Orvidas
Laura J
LJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013701:Temporal Bone