Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
A case of a dermoid cyst compressing the airway
Laura R Garcia-Rodriguez1, Sachin Pawar, Michelle A Michel
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
Introduction:
In this report we discuss the etiology, common locations, diagnostic approach, and treatment of a dermoid cyst.
Case Presentation:
A 22-year-old man arrived at the emergency department complaining of submental fullness, an increase in snoring, choking, gagging, and difficulty breathing. The patient was taken to the operating room for a complete resection of a large dermoid cyst that was compressing his airway.
Discussion:
Dermoid cysts are uncommon head and neck tumors mainly presenting in patients aged 15 to 35. The origin of dermoid cysts is thought to be congenital in most cases, but they can also develop from acquired factors such as trauma or surgical implantation that forces epithelial cells into deep tissues.
Conclusion:
Although benign and often asymptomatic, dermoid cysts may cause other associated symptoms due to compression of structures in the head and neck.
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
