A decade-long growth: Resecting a large paediatric eyelid dermoid cyst

Abstract

Dermoid cysts are benign congenital tumours of both ectodermal and mesodermal tissue and are most frequently found in the periorbital region, particularly at the tail of the eyebrow, with only 7% occurring in the cervicofacial region. An 11-year-old child with an intellectual disability presented with a congenital right upper eyelid swelling that had gradually increased in size. Clinical examination revealed a soft, mobile, painless 6-cm mass with normal overlying skin. Preoperative CT imaging demonstrated a cystic lesion at the frontozygomatic suture, consistent with a dermoid cyst. The cyst was completely removed through an upper eyelid incision under general anaesthesia, and haemostasis was verified. The immediate postoperative outcome was satisfactory, with no complications at follow-up. The diagnosis of an orbital dermoid cyst should be considered in cases of a congenital, firm, and mobile mass adjacent to surrounding structures that progressively increases in size. Complete surgical excision is curative and prevents recurrence or complications.