Congenital Sublingual Dermoid Cyst Mimicking a Recurrent Ranula in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Oral Pathology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Sublingual lesions are uncommon in pediatric patients and pose diagnostic challenges due to similar clinical and radiological features.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis of sublingual lesions can be difficult, even with advanced imaging techniques.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old male presented with a recurrent, painless sublingual mass previously treated as a ranula.
• Physical examination revealed a firm left sublingual mass extending into the neck.
• Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a ranula.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the sublingual mass was performed transorally.
• Histopathological examination unexpectedly diagnosed the lesion as a dermoid cyst, not a ranula.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering dermoid cysts in the differential diagnosis of pediatric sublingual lesions.
• Histopathological examination is crucial for confirming the diagnosis of sublingual masses, despite imaging findings.
• Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and to prevent recurrence of sublingual masses.