title: Craniofacial dermoid cysts: histological analysis and inter-site comparison.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermoid cysts are common, benign, embryologically derived soft tissue cysts that can arise at a variety of craniofacial sites. It is not known whether specific histological variations exist between the different craniofacial sites. This study aims to establish whether inter-site histologic differences exist between periorbital, nasal, scalp, and postauricular dermoid cysts and analyze these in context of their distinct embryological origin and varied clinical presentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of craniofacial dermoid cysts was performed. Using light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining, histological appearance was directly compared between craniofacial sites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All (n = 16) cysts contained keratinizing, stratified squamous epithelial lining, intraluminal keratin, and hair. Sebaceous glands were commonly present (n = 13). Eccrine (sweat) glands were less common (n = 3). Structures of mesodermal origin were seen in three periorbital cysts. Only the six ruptured cysts showed evidence of inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Histological properties of dermoid cysts are conserved between craniofacial sites (periorbital, nasal, scalp, and postauricular). This reflects the consistency of ectodermal inclusion during early embryological development, which is independent of specific craniofacial site or surrounding anatomical structures.
authors.affiliation: Imperial College School of Medicine, London, England.
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reissis
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Miles J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Pfaff
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Anup
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Derek M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Steinbacher
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003710:Demography; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: analysis; craniofacial; cyst; dermoid; dermoid cyst; forehead; head; histology; nasal; neck; pathology; periorbital