Results of surgery for nasal dermoids in children

Thirty-two patients who had surgical excision of a nasal dermoid in childhood are reported. The patients are discussed according to the histological diagnosis and the extent of tissue involvement at the time of surgery. The results of surgery are acceptable in the majority of patients. However, a patient with a 'complex' 'true' nasal dermoid lesion is more likely to be dissatisfied with the result of surgical excision. Parents should therefore be forewarned of the possible outcome of surgery for nasal dermoid lesions in children.