Dermoid cyst of the orbit and frontal sinus: a case report

We describe a case of a dermoid cyst involving the orbit and frontal sinus of an adult treated at our tertiary referral center, and we review the literature on dermoid cysts of the orbit and frontal sinus. A 28-year-old Caucasian man presented with right-sided supraorbital swelling resulting in diplopia and reduced visual acuity. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were preformed. Although a definitive diagnosis was unclear, the imaging findings were consistent with a dermoid cyst. The lesion was excised through an upper-lid incision. Postoperatively, the patient had a patent frontal sinus and his visual symptoms resolved. Dermoid cysts of the orbit are uncommon lesions that occur primarily in the pediatric population. Lesions extending into the frontal sinus have not been reported before in the literature. In adults, orbital dermoids are more likely to present with bone erosion, and therefore they should be considered in the differential diagnosis for orbital and frontal bone lesions extending into the frontal sinus.