Congenital epidermoid cyst of the oral cavity: prenatal diagnosis by sonography

Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Sep;6(3):191-3. doi: 10.3342/ceo.2013.6.3.191. Epub 2013 Sep 4.

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies that are rarely observed in the oral cavity of neonate. If large in size, especially in the developing fetus or newborn infant, they can cause swallowing difficulty and occasionally respiratory difficulty. We report a case of epidermoid cyst in the oral cavity detected prenatal sonography. The sonographic finding was large cystic mass, measuring 30×25 mm. In this case, supplies and equipment for an emergency tracheostomy were made available prior to the delivery. However, the infant did not require intervention to secure the airway. The lesion was surgically excised, and histologic diagnosis was epidermoid cyst. After 6 months of follow up, the cyst had not recurred. This case illustrates the value of accurate prenatal diagnosis and planned perinatal management using a team approach.

Keywords: Epidermoid cyst; Newborn; Oral cavity; Prenatal diagnosis.