Epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts are slow-growing, benign (noncancerous) lesions that develop in sacs under your skin. Typically, they are harmless and contain skin cells or other types of tissue. Dermoid cysts are present at birth, and epidermoid cysts can develop in both adults and children.
Epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts may not need treatment unless they grow, cause symptoms, or become infected. If treatment is needed, UPMC experts will develop a care plan based on the location of your cysts and your symptoms. Our team specializes in minimally invasive surgery to remove cysts and tumors in the skull base, brain, skin, and other organs.
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What Are Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumors and Cysts?
Epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts are slow-growing, benign (noncancerous) lesions that develop in sacs under your skin. They are usually harmless and contain skin cells or other types of tissue. Dermoid cysts are present at birth, and epidermoid cysts may develop in adults and children.
How serious are epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts?
Most epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts do not cause serious complications and are not harmful. They may not require treatment unless they start to grow, become infected, or cause symptoms.
What are the types of dermoid and epidermoid tumors and cysts?
Dermoid cysts and tumors
Most dermoid cysts and tumors occur in the head and neck and are almost always noncancerous.
Dermoid cysts typically are present at birth and may occur in your:
- Brain.
- Eye.
- Eyebrow area.
- Eye socket.
- Ovaries (in females).
- Sinuses, inside your nose.
- Spine.
Epidermoid cysts and tumors
Epidermoid cysts are typically painless and slow-growing and may not need treatment.
They are most common under the skin of your:
- Face.
- Neck.
- Trunk.
What is the difference between an epidermoid cyst and a sebaceous cyst?
Although they look similar, epidermoid and sebaceous cysts are filled with different substances. Epidermoid cysts are filled with dead skin cells, and sebaceous cysts are filled with a greasy, yellowish substance.
How common are epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts?
Epidermoid cysts are very common, especially among adults. Dermoid cysts are common in children because they are present at birth.
What causes epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts?
Causes of dermoid cysts and tumors
Dermoid cysts are present at birth. They occur when layers of skin don’t grow properly during fetal development.
Causes of epidermoid cysts and tumors
Epidermoid cysts happen when dead skin cells get under your skin, forming a sac filled with dead skin cells.
Epidermoid and dermoid tumor and cyst risk factors
You may be at higher risk of developing epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts if you have family members who also have them.
Complications of epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts
Epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts can cause complications, including:
- Abscesses.
- Infection.
- Nerve injury.
- Recurrence, if not removed completely.
- Rupture, which happens when a cyst breaks open.
Can epidermoid and dermoid tumors or cysts become cancerous?
Rarely, epidermoid and dermoid tumors or cysts can become cancerous. Approximately 1% to 2% of epidermoid and dermoid tumors or cysts turn into cancer.
How can I prevent epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts?
There is nothing you can do to prevent epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumors and Cysts?
Signs and symptoms of epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts depend on their location, size, and whether it has ruptured.
Common symptoms by location include:
- Above the base of your skull — May cause vision problems, hormonal imbalances from pituitary gland disturbances, and seizures.
- Inside your skull or brain — May cause excess cerebrospinal fluid in your skull (hydrocephalus), seizures, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.
- Spinal canal — May cause back and leg pain.
When should I see a doctor about my epidermoid and dermoid tumor or cyst symptoms?
If you are having pain, signs of infection, or other symptoms of an epidermoid and dermoid tumor or cyst, you should see your doctor right away. If symptoms are severe, you should call 911 or visit the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumors and Cysts?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask questions about your symptoms, and order tests to diagnose an epidermoid or dermoid tumor or cyst.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects a dermoid or epidermoid cyst or tumor, they will:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order imaging tests.
Tests to diagnose an epidermoid or dermoid tumor or cyst
Imaging studies help your doctor diagnose and locate the dermoid or epidermoid tumor, and may include:
- CT scan — A test that creates images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- MRI — Uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images to pinpoint where the tumor is and help doctors develop a treatment plan.
An MRI scan does a better job of finding cysts inside your skull because it shows their location and involvement of other structures. MRIs are also more sensitive in determining whether your cyst has ruptured.
Epidermoid or dermoid tumor or cyst prognosis
Most epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts are not harmful. However, if they are large, infected, or pressing on nearby structures, they can cause symptoms. In most cases, surgery is an effective treatment for epidermoid and dermoid tumors and cysts.
How Do You Treat Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumors and Cysts?
The goals of treatment for epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts are to remove the tumor and eliminate symptoms.
Treatment options include:
Surgery for epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts
Surgery is the recommended treatment to remove epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts.
During surgery, UPMC experts take extreme care to prevent the fatty content of the cyst from spreading to the surrounding tissues and structures, especially if the cyst is infected with bacteria.
Minimally invasive surgery for epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts
Your surgeon will recommend the least invasive surgical approach to remove your tumor or cyst based on its location and size.
Minimally invasive surgical treatment options include:
Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA)
EEA is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical approach that allows surgeons to access skull base cysts and tumors through your nose without making an incision. Surgeons then remove the cyst through your nose and nasal cavities.
Benefits of EEA include:
- Faster recovery time.
- No disfigurement.
- No incisions.
Neuroendoport surgery
Neuroendoport surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or deep-seated tumors within the brain. A narrow tube or port allows surgeons to access these tumors through a tiny incision in your scalp, avoiding the need for traditional brain surgery that requires a large incision.
Benefits of Neuroendoport surgery include:
- Faster recovery times than with traditional surgery.
- Fewer side effects and complications.
- Minimal scarring.
Why Choose UPMC for Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumor and Cyst Care?
When you choose UPMC for epidermoid or dermoid tumor and cyst care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class surgery expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of epidermoid or dermoid tumors and cysts using the latest approaches and techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We perform minimally invasive and traditional open surgical procedures to effectively treat all types of cysts and tumors while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with dermatologists, skull base surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
