Marsupialization of a Floor-of-Mouth Dermoid Cyst to Temporize Airway Distress

Dermoid cysts are benign masses of embryologic origin that can present in various anatomical locations throughout the human body. This article presents the case of a 30-year-old male who presented to our emergency department with complaints of tongue swelling accompanied by worsening dysphagia and dysphonia in the context of a chronic, midline mass in the floor of the mouth. Computed tomography (CT) imaging and surgical pathology of the mass ultimately revealed findings consistent with a dermoid cyst causing inferior displacement of the mylohyoid muscle. Initial management consisted of bedside drainage to temporize the airway, with marsupialization and in-office follow-up. Definitive treatment was achieved with surgical excision at a later date.