Dermoid cysts of the oral cavity as seen in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Introduction: Dermoid cysts are rare congenital lesions derived from pluripotential cells. They represent less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts and are also called non-odontogenic cysts. Dermoid cysts are frequently found in sites where embryonic parts fuse together. The majority of reported cases are in the midline of the body, as well as in the ovaries and in the testicles Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis study that spanned the period of 2000-2012 was carried out at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. The parameters studied included age, sex, duration of swelling, site, co-morbidity, complications and treatment. Results: Of the 16 patients, 10 (62.5%) were males and 6(37.5%) females in a ratio of 1.67:1, the age ranged between 2 months and 49 years. Of all the cysts, 11 were sublingual, 3 in the cheek, 1 sublingual-submental and1 lingual; 6 (37.5%) patients had co-morbid symptoms and the most common was Upper respiratory tract infection (100%) followed by anemia (2 patients) and measles one patient. Conclusion: Dermoid cysts can be congenital or acquired. Their early presentation were associated with both feeding and respiratory symptoms.