Submental dermoid cyst: a case report

Case Definition:Sub mental dermoid cysts are not common. Dermoid apidermoid cysts represent about 0.01% of all oral cysts with an incidence of 1.6 to 6.9% in the head and neck region. The can present at birth and remain undiagnosed until they present cosmetic problems to the patient in adult life. They may also present in adult life with vaying degrees of problems. Reason for reporting: This case is reported because it was first diagnosed when the patient was 6 months old but was not treated and presented in the clinic when it was causing aesthetic problems when the patient was 20 years old. Case Report: The patient was a 20-year old male with a sub mental swelling. The swelling, which measured 6.5cmx5cm clinically, was reported by the sonologist to be 6cmx3.9cm. It was doughy in consistency and did nit interfere with swallowing. It was neither visible nor palpable intra-orally. A sub mental vertical incision was made and the cyst was located on the mylohoid muscle and was excised. The histology confirmed dermoid cyst. No recurrence of the cyst has occurred after 18 months of follow up. Conclusion: Dermoid Cysts are sometimes difficult to diagnose in an infant or new born because they may be small and symptomless. An appropriate referral to and follow up by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to remove them early is advocated. Keywords: Submental, Dermoid, cyst Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1&2) 2005: 24-27