Orbital dermoid cysts: Clinical spectrum and outcome

Introduction. - Dermoid cysts are benign congenital orbital tumors, they are classified as choristomas. Clinical manifestations vary according to location and size. Materials and methods. - We retrospectively analyzed 43 cases of dermoid cysts surgically treated between July 1998 and March 2009. Results. - Mean patient age was 18.64 years. Among patients, 48.83% were male. Preseptal location was most common (41 cases). One of the two cases of intraorbital location required orbitotomy. We observed no complications or recurrence. Discussion. - Dermoid cysts are most often seen in young patients. The mean age of our patients was relatively high. The majority of dermoid cysts are periorbital in location. Superficial orbital dermoid cysts are more frequent, present earlier in life and are more easily identified than deep dermoid cysts. Imaging plays a major role in the management of deep orbital tumors. Complete surgical excision has remained the mainstay of treatment. Conclusion. - Dermoid cysts are benign orbital tumors. Superficial dermoid cysts are the most common type. Deeper cysts require a more challenging diagnostic and therapeutic approach. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.