Giant epidermoid cyst penetrating the skull: a case report and literature review

Br J Neurosurg. 2023 Dec;37(6):1693-1698. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1950635. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Abstract

Intracranial epidermoid cyst is a rare pseudotumor of the nervous system, accounting for 0.2%-1.8% of all intracranial tumors. It is usually located in the cerebellopontine Angle or parasellar area, with insipid onset, slow growth and usually less than 2 cm in diameter. Giant epidermoid cysts that invade the bone have rarely been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of giant ECs extradural to the parietal bone, penetrating the skull and continuing to expand outward. In addition, a systematic search of four authoritative databases was conducted to collect the relevant reports of giant epidermoid cyst with diameter > 5cm for the first time, and to discuss the clinical and radiographic features of patients with giant epidermoid cyst and the influence of treatment options.

Keywords: Giant epidermoid cyst; intracranial; skull erosion; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms*
  • Epidermal Cyst* / diagnostic imaging
  • Epidermal Cyst* / pathology
  • Epidermal Cyst* / surgery
  • Head
  • Humans
  • Parietal Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Parietal Bone / pathology
  • Parietal Bone / surgery
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull / surgery