Dermoid Cysts of the Floor of the Mouth: A Case Report

Abstract

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are malformations observed in the oral cavity, represent less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. Histologically, they can be further classified as epidermoid, dermoid or teratoid. The cysts can be defined as epidermoid when the lining presents only epithelium dermoid cysts when skin adnexa are found and teratoid cysts when other tissue such as muscle, cartilage, and bone are present. We report a case in which a 15-year-old boy developed a dermoid cyst presented at our clinic with complaints of increasing dysphagia and globus sensation about 5 years. On examination, the patient revealed a massive swelling of the floor of the mouth, which had displaced the tongue cranially. MRI imaging showed the lesion to be a homogeneous, cystic lesion, clearly at a distance from the surrounding mucous tissue. Surgery was performed, and the tumor was resected completely. Histologic examination of the resected tissue was consistent with an epidermoid cyst located in the floor of the mouth. The patient did well postoperatively, and no recurrence was noticed at the 6-years of follow-up. Although epidermoid cysts are rarely located in the oral cavity, it should be included in differential diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice.