An occipital dermoid tumor and sinus.

A rare case of an occipital dermoid sinus in a 14-year-old girl is presented. Failure to recognize such a lesion in a timely fashion can have fatal consequences. Extreme caution is advised when a sinus is found penetrating the occipital region because connection with the cranial venous confluence is common, and unanticipated penetration is associated with rapid and fatal exsanguination. Neurosurgical consultation and preparation for posterior fossa exploration and venous sinus repair should be made if full extirpation is anticipated. Clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of these rare lesions is reviewed.