Dermoid cysts: clinical predictors of complex lesions and surgical complications

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and role of imaging in the evaluation of dermoid cysts and to determine predictors of cyst rupture during surgical excision of dermoid cysts.

In this single-center, consecutive, nonrandomized comparative case series, the records of consecutive patients with suspected dermoid cysts who underwent surgery between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014, were reviewed retrospectively for demographic information, clinical findings, preoperative imaging, surgical details, and pathology reports.

A total of 100 patients were included. Cyst volume was similar between superomedial and superotemporal lesions (P = 0.61) but greater in patients >10 years of age (P < 0.001). Immobility of the cyst was present in all complex dermoids (4/4), but there was no difference in the mobility of superotemporal or superomedial cysts (P = 0.69). Forty-two patients underwent imaging; superomedial lesions were more likely to be imaged than superotemporal lesions (P = 0.073). All 4 patients with complex dermoids presented with orbital signs and underwent preoperative imaging. None of the remaining 38 patients who underwent imaging had orbital signs, and the results of imaging had no effect on surgical planning. Intraoperative cyst rupture occurred in 18 patients. There was no significant difference in cyst rupture between superotemporal and superomedial cysts (P = 0.452). Smaller cyst volume was associated more often with intraoperative cyst rupture (P < 0.001).

Preoperative imaging of superomedial and superolateral dermoid cysts is likely unnecessary unless associated with orbital signs. Intraoperative cyst rupture is not influenced by cyst location but does appear to be more likely in smaller cysts.