Cranial and orbital epidermoid tumours.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Epidermoid tumors are rare neoplasms that can occur in cranial and orbital regions.
• Understanding their origin, presentation, and treatment is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

• This study reviewed 14 cases of cranial and orbital epidermoid tumors.
• Tumor locations included epicranial, intracranial, fronto-orbital-sinusal, orbital, and orbito-nasal.
• Epidermoid tumors were observed to be more frequent in males.

Findings:

• The tumors are generally of embryologic origin, rarely mechanical.
• Key symptoms include cranial tumefaction and orbital exophthalmos.
• Association with other space-occupying lesions is uncommon.
• Tumor evolution is slow and progressive.

Implications:

• Surgical total ablation is the definitive treatment for cranial and orbital epidermoid tumors.
• Complete tumor removal leads to satisfactory postoperative courses and no recurrences.
• Further research into the embryologic origins may offer novel therapeutic targets.