Abstract

Background:Dermoid cysts are cystic inclusion tumors. They comprise hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. They have lining of stratified squamous epithelium. The most common areas involved are face, lower back, and ovaries. Congenital cystic dermoid involving the anterior fontanelle with no intracranial extension is a rare scalp swelling. We present a case of dermoid cyst with no intracranial extension.

Case Description:We report a case of 4-month-old child presented with a history of a scalp swelling since birth. The swelling increased in size progressively. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed extracranial cystic lesion over anterior fontanelle with no intracranial extension. Cyst was excised completely with no postoperative complications. On histopathology it was dermoid cyst.

Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, congenital dermoid cyst of the anterior fontanelles is rare. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

Keywords: Anterior fontanelle, cyst, dermoid, scalp

INTRODUCTION

Dermoid cyst is a benign, slowly growing lesion that accounts for 0.1–0.5% of all intracranial lesions.[ 2 8 ] During the formation of the neural tube, dermoid cyst is thought to be formed from defects in the separation of neuroectoderm, resulting in sequestration of ectodermal remnants.[ 1 ] Dermoid cyst consists of semi-solid inspissated yellow material that comprises stratified squamous epithelial lining, hair and most commonly have sebaceous glands; rare presence of sweat gland is also reported in the literature. The presence of skin adnexa-like hair follicles and glands in the cyst and other contents differentiates dermoid cyst from epidermoid cyst.[ 3 11 ] Very rarely, congenital dermoid cysts over the anterior fontanelles without intracranial extension are reported.[ 8 10 ] The present paper reports a case of congenital cystic scalp swelling that was excised completely.

CASE HISTORY

A 4-month old girl was brought by her parents with complain of scalp swelling over anterior Fontanelle since birth. The swelling gradually increased in size. On examination, there was a soft, fluid-filled lesion over the anterior fontanelle, which was nontender and nonpulsatile. Trans illumination test and cough impulse were negative. There was no bruit over the swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain was carried out, which revealed presence of a well-defined cystic swelling in the midline over the anterior fontanelle, measuring approximately 35 × 30 × 18 mm in transverse, anterior-posterior, and craniocaudal dimensions. It was cystic in appearance, with hyperintense signals on T2-weighted sequence, with no flow voids [ Figure 1a ] and hypointense signals on T1-weighted sequences [ Figure 1b ] showing no surrounding edema on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image [ Figure 1c ]. There was no contrast enhancement [ Figure 1d ]. This lesion was showing no diffusion restriction and no signal susceptibility on susceptibility weighted imaging sequence. The patient underwent complete surgical excision of the scalp lesion under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, a soft, cystic, fluid filled lesion over anterior fontanelle, which was densely adherent to underlying tissue. Lesion was excised completely with no complications. Patient was discharged in stable state. Histopathology showed a cystic lesion, white in color measuring approximately 3.5 × 2.5 cm. It was lined by typical squamous epithelium filled with clear fluid and white keratinaceous material [Figure 2a and b ].

Figure 1

(a) T2-weighted image (sagittal section) showing the cystic swelling. (b) T1-weighted image with contrast showing no contrast enhancement. (c) FLAIR (coronal section) showing the presence of cystic swelling. (d) T1 (axial) showing cystic lesion on vertex

Figure 2

(a) Low-power magnification showing squamous epithelium, adnexa, and sebaceous glands. (b) High-power magnification showing skin and adnexa

No immature components such as hair or teeth were found within the lesion. Features were consistent with dermoid cyst.

DISCUSSION

Congenital inclusion dermoid cysts are thought to arise during the third and fifth week of embryogenesis from displacement of germ cells.[ 8 ] The initial position of ectodermal inclusion within the underlying mesoderm corresponds to the varied arrangement of craniofacial dermoid cysts.[ 9 ] The incidence rates of scalp dermoid cysts range from 15 to 22%.[ 2 ] The most commonly involved sites are nasal involving rhenian, periorbital involving zygomaticofrontal suture, intraoral involving floor of mouth, and post auricular.[ 7 ] In our case, lesion was involving scalp over anterior fontanelle, with no intracranial extension. Patient with dermoid cyst presents with a lesion usually at birth that can be soft, nontender or inflamed, increasing in size, and changes color frequently.[ 3 ] Dermoid cyst can remain stable for years but sometimes they become symptomatic. Rupture of dermoid cyst occurs spontaneously and in only small percentage, it can present with neurological symptoms before rupture.[ 8 10 ] Cranial bone expansion and erosion are rarely seen; however, there is a possibility that they might expand cranial bones laterally.[ 9 8 ] High-risk cases need clinical and radiological features identification.[ 11 ] Computed tomography of brain is used for confirmation of lesion.[ 6 ] Complete surgical resection of lesion is the treatment of choice. However, keeping in check the risk of structure underneath lesion must be weighed against complete resection as post resection occipital neuropathy should be considered as a complication.[ 12 ] In a child with open anterior fontanelle and proximity of the cyst to the sagittal suture, the capacity to extend intracranially or intradurally is high. Although recurrence after complete resection is rare, close follow-up is highly recommended. In the four reported cases of recurrence in the literature, times to presentation after initial resection were 5, 12, 13, and 66 months.[ 4 ]

On histopathological examination, dermoid cyst consists of keratinizing stratified squamous epithelial lining, with some adnexal appendage structure-like intraluminal keratin and most commonly sebaceous glands.[ 5 10 ] Several lesions that may present like dermoid cysts are lipoma and meningocele; therefore, histological diagnosis is needed to differentiate scalp swellings.[ 8 ]

Imaging is important postoperatively to monitor the status of these patients. In our patient no recurrence has been noticed after 6 weeks of surgery.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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