Surgical management of nasoethmoidal dermoide cysts

Abstract

Nasoethmoidal dermoide cysts are infrequent congenital malformations of ectodermal origin. Clinically they can present as a subcutaneous nodule and/or a cutaneous fistula with hair at whatever level in the nasal midline. Differing from dermoide cysts in other parts there exists the possibility of deep structures compromise and intracranial extension, associated ar not severe complications such as meningitis and cerebral abscesses. For this reason nasoethmoidal dermoide cysts need a meticulous radiological evaluation in order to plan surgery that allows the complete removal of the lesion. For these singular characteristics we consider it of interest to present 3 cases of this infrequent and interesting pathology, treated in the Plastic Surgery Unit in the Roberto del Río Childrens Hospital between 1999 and 2001. We discuss some aspects of epidemiology, aetiopathology and surgical evaluation and management.