Open and endoscopic excision of calvarial dermoid and epidermoid cysts: a single center experience on 128 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts rank among the most common pediatric tumors. We analyzed the outcomes of surgical excision of dermal and epidermal inclusion cysts in a large consecutive series of children.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 128 consecutive children who underwent calvarial inclusion cyst resection between 2000 and 2010 at NYU Langone Medical Center. Demographic information, neurological exam, lesion location, lesion diameter, type of treatment, extent of resection, time of follow-up, and recurrence were collected.

RESULTS

The cohort includes 67 girls (52.3 %) and 61 boys (47.7 %). Age at diagnosis ranged from birth to 6.5 years (mean of 1.2 years) with surgical intervention between 1 month and 20 years of age (1.5 ± 2.1). Of the 128 patients, 107 underwent open resection. Surgical approach was determined by the senior surgeon. Location, postoperative cosmesis, and family preference were the determining factors. Endoscopic resection was favored with supraorbital and glabellar lesions (75 % endoscopic versus 25 % open) using a rigid scope via a single incision. Erosion of the outer table and involvement of the inner table was noted in 20 patients (15 %), 14 of which were reconstructed using a split thickness calvarial graft. These lesions were noted to be significantly larger than lesions where cranioplasty was not used (1.9 ± 2.81 cm versus 1.23 ± 0.98 cm, p = 0.022). Gross total resection was achieved in all cases.

DISCUSSION

Complete removal and cure from dermoid and epidermoid inclusion cysts are possible. Complications are few. Endoscopic approaches are useful to improve cosmesis and limit tissue damage for lesions near the orbits.