A Case of Epidermoid Cyst in the Buccal Region

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts can be observed in almost any part of the body, and are considered to originate from displaced epithelial nests at birth or in association with injuries suffered postnatally. A few cases with epidermoid cysts in the head and neck regions have been reported. Most such cysts are located in the base of the oral cavity, and epidermoid cysts in other areas of the head and neck are rarely reported.
Thi s is a report of a patient with an epidermoid cyst in the buccal region. Cases of epidermoid cyst developing in that region are very rarely reported and only 28 cases are known throughout the world.
There are 2 hypotheses for congenital causes of epidermoid cyst generation: (1) aberration of epidermoid tissues in the branchial arches, and (2) abnormal burying of the bilateral cervical sinus. The cyst in this patient was considered generated from the concrescence of the maxillary and mandible processes, and it satisfied the conditions of the aberration hypotheses.