Diagnosis & Imaging
Dermoid cyst
A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst containing tissue like skin or hair that can occur near the nose or skull and may resemble an encephalocele.
In short: Dermoid cyst
- It is part of the differential diagnosis for a nasal or scalp mass.
- It can sometimes have a tract toward the skull.
- Imaging helps distinguish it from an encephalocele.
- It is generally benign.
What it is
It is a benign cyst containing tissue such as skin elements, hair, or other material. It can occur near the nose, scalp, or skull and may resemble an encephalocele.
Understanding Dermoid cyst
It is part of the differential diagnosis for a nasal or scalp mass and can sometimes have a tract extending toward the skull, which is why imaging is used to characterize it. Distinguishing a dermoid cyst from an encephalocele matters for planning, since their management differs. As with any such mass, imaging precedes any procedure to ensure a connection to the brain is not missed.
Why it matters
Understanding dermoid cyst helps families see why a nasal or scalp mass is imaged to determine exactly what it is, since the management of a dermoid cyst differs from that of an encephalocele.
Common questions
What is a dermoid cyst?
A benign cyst containing tissue like skin or hair.
Can it resemble an encephalocele?
Yes, which is why imaging is used to distinguish them.
Is it benign?
Generally yes.
Bottom line
A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst that can resemble an encephalocele and is distinguished by imaging.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
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