1989 Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 143-148
Epidermoid cyst is known to be derived from impaction of the ectoderm during the embryonic period or is acquired from injury or inflammation. It is a relatively rare disease, especially, in the region of the jaw and oral cavity. The majority of cases occur in the floor of the mouth, and occurrence in the lip is very rare. In this report, we presented a case of an epidermoid cyst in the lower lip, and reviewed 21 cases of dermoid cyst and epidermoid cyst in the region of the lip as reported in the Japanese literature.
The patient, an 18-year-old man, with a chief complaint of swelling in the lower lip was referred by his doctor. He first noted hematoma-like swelling in the right lower lip with no other symptoms about 1 year ago, and purposely bit his lower lip in an effort to reduce the existing swelling. After 1 to 2 weeks, the swelling recurred at the same region, and enlarged gradually. On physical examination, there was a well-defined swelling which was the size of a soybean.
Under the clinical diagnosis of mucocele, the lesion was surgically enucleated with little difficulty. The removed spherical mass measured 9×8×5mm, and when cut open emitted a yellow-whitish fluid.
Histopathological study revealed it to be an epidermoid cyst.
Postoperative healing was uneventful and there is no evidence of recurrence after 2 years.
