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Tarsal dermoid cyst: clinical presentation and treatment
Irina V Koreen1, Alon Kahana, Roberta E Gausas
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Insights
This study reports two infant cases of eyelid dermoid cysts attached to the tarsus. Early diagnosis and surgical excision are crucial to prevent inflammation and scarring from misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Eyelid masses in infants require careful diagnosis.
- Dermoid cysts are congenital tumors that can occur in various locations.
Observation:
- Two infant cases presented with firm, nontender upper eyelid masses adherent to the tarsus.
- Surgical excision en bloc was performed for both lesions.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed dermoid cysts in both cases.
- These represent the first reported instances of dermoid cysts specifically attached to the tarsus.
Implications:
- Dermoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tarsus-based eyelid masses in pediatric patients.
- Misdiagnosis, such as incision and curettage, can lead to cyst content spillage, inflammation, and scarring.
Abstract:
The authors present 2 cases of eyelid dermoid cyst attached to tarsus in pediatric patients. Both patients were infants who presented with a firm, nontender upper eyelid mass firmly adherent to tarsus. In both cases, the lesion was excised en bloc, and histopathology revealed a dermoid cyst. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previously reported cases of tarsal dermoid cyst. These cases demonstrate the importance of including dermoid cyst in the differential diagnosis of a tarsus-based eyelid mass. Misdiagnosis may lead to incision and curettage, resulting in spillage of cyst contents and the risk of severe inflammation and scarring.
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