Epidermoid cyst of the temporal region

Epidermoid cysts are rare, slow-growing, benign, developmental cysts that are derived from abnormally situated ectodermal tissue. Epidermoid cysts may grow anywhere on the body and about 7% of them are located in the head and neck. In literature, very few epidermoid cysts have been reported in the temporal region. Histopathologically, they are lined with plain stratified keratin-producing squamous epithelium, although in some cases part of the lining is made up of mucous secreting and ciliated epithelium. This may suggest an endodermal rather than an ectodermal origin. We present and discuss the management of a patient presenting a posttraumatic epidermoid cyst of the temporal region. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;112:e113-e116)