Concurrent dermoid and epidermoid cysts in an adolescent patient: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are benign lesions of ectodermal origin which are pathologically distinct entities, although often clinically indistinguishable. Cyst location, mobility, and appearance on MRI can help distinguish the two, however the distinction is mostly academic since both types have similar management. Co-occurrence of dermoid and epidermoid cysts together in the same patient has not been observed in the literature, however one case of an epidermoid cyst evolving into a dermoid cyst has been documented. In this case report, we identify a 16-year-old male with three separate cysts of the scalp and leg which, after histopathological analysis following surgical resection, were found to represent both dermoid and epidermoid cysts. We offer potential explanations for this rare occurrence in the absence of a genetic syndrome and highlight the importance of performing a thorough work-up of patients with multiple cysts.