An Inclusion Epidermoid Cyst, a Rare Complication of Versatile Naso-Labial Flap

Abstract

We are reporting a case of 47 years old gentleman who was diagnosed with left lower alveolus carcinoma and later on he presented with epidermal inclusion cyst post oncological resection with nasolabial flap reconstruction. Compared to microsurgical free flaps, nasolabial flaps are simple, easy to learn, one staged procedure and provides good cosmetic results. It can be used bilaterally for coverage of both, intra-oral and extra-oral defects. It is highly vascular flap with blood supply from the facial, transverse facial, angular, infraorbital, infratrochlear artery and the free anastomosis between the terminal branches overlying the nasolabial skin. The important thing in harvesting this flap is to avoid implantation of epidermal tissue like hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands into the deep tissues. Inadequate de-epitheliaslisation results in formation of inclusion cyst during transposition of flap through trans-buccal tunnel into the oral cavity. Formation of inclusion epidermoid cyst is a rarely encountered phenomenon in head and neck cancers.