Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst in a Neonate-A Rare Case Report on Early Detection and Intervention

Epidermoid cysts are rare benign developmental lesions that occur infrequently in the oral cavity, accounting for less than 0.01% of oral cysts. Congenital sublingual epidermoid cysts in neonates are extremely uncommon but may interfere with feeding and tongue movement. This report presents a rare case of a congenital sublingual epidermoid cyst in an 11-day-old neonate managed successfully with early surgical excision to restore normal feeding function. An 11-day-old male neonate from Ethiopia presented with a congenital swelling on the floor of the mouth beneath the left side of the tongue, which was noticed immediately after birth. The swelling, measuring 4 × 3 cm, was noticed immediately after birth. The initial fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed a sublingual keratin cyst. Clinically, epidermoid cysts are characterized by a rubbery consistency on palpation, well-defined borders, and varying sizes. They are usually asymptomatic and slow-growing. The final diagnosis is usually confirmed by histopathological examination. Surgical excision, with the goal of complete removal including the cyst wall, is the definitive treatment option to prevent recurrence. If left untreated, the lesion may grow significantly and lead to complications such as dysphagia, breathing difficulties, pain, and reduced tongue movement.