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Updated: Jul 22, 2025
Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
Craniofacial Epidermoid and Dermoid Cysts
Hyun Jun Oh1, Mi Young Eo1, Buyanbileg Sodnom-Ish1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies that can form anywhere in the body. Despite the rarity of incidence in the head and neck, they can arise at a variety of craniofacial locations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features of epidermoid and dermoid cysts arising in the craniofacial region with a literature review.
Methods:
A retrospective study was designed, and clinical features and surgical considerations were investigated from a literature review. Cases of epidermoid cysts in the scalp, temporal area, glabellar area, mouth floor, and buccal mucosa were described.
Results:
Dermoid cysts in more lateral regions of the scalp are rarely associated with intracranial extension. Because temporal dermoid cysts have a high rate of intracranial extension, radiological evaluation of the lesions in the temporal area is imperative. Epidermoid cysts in the glabellar area are usually superficial. Consideration of the surgical approach for an epidermoid cyst of the mouth floor is important. Because epidermoid cysts in the buccal mucosa are extremely rare, differential diagnosis was emphasized. Epidermoid cysts in the scalp, in the temporal intradiploic area, on the glabellar area in the periorbital region, in the mouth floor, and in the buccal mucosa were surgically excised considering the depth and location. Ten cases of epidermoid cysts in the buccal mucosa were retrieved from the literature review.
Conclusions:
Consideration of the anatomic locations of epidermoid and dermoid cysts in the craniofacial region might help facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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