Dermoid cysts are the most common orbital tumor in childhood. It is a developmental benign choristoma, arising from ectodermal sequestration along the lines of embryonic fusion of mesodermal processes. It is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and expands slowly due to constant desquamation and dermal glandular elements. They are usually smooth, painless, mobile, or partially mobile lesions mostly present at the fronto-zygomatic suture with proptosis, displacement, ptosis, or diplopia, depending on depth and extent1.
Although lateral orbital dermoid cysts are common, medial orbital dermoid cysts are rare2. Our patient had a right medial orbital congenital dermoid cyst since birth. At the presentation, the patient was 2 years old. On CT, the cyst measured 5 mm at the upper lid/medial canthus of the right orbit with subtle bone remodeling. He had a mildly clogged tear duct on the left but was otherwise asymptomatic. The decision was made to surgically remove the dermoid cyst.
In this video, we present a case of removal of a medial orbital dermoid cyst in a 2-year-old patient.
An incision was planned directly over the lesion. It was marked following the natural skin tension lines of the face to give the most natural esthetic appearance.
A small amount of Local anesthetic (0.5 ml of Lidocaine and Epinephrine) was injected under the skin to promote hemostasis and postoperative pain control.
A continuous Incision was made with a #15 blade on the skin.
Westcott scissors were used to dissect further through the subcutaneous tissue to expose the cyst and slowly dissect it from the normal tissue surrounding it.
Extra care was made to protect the integrity and avoid the rupture of the cyst.
After the entire cyst was freed from the surrounding tissue, it was carefully removed from its attachments to the periosteum using Westcott scissors.
The incision was closed in a two-layer fashion.
The deeper layer was closed by 6.0 Vicryl in a vertical mattress fashion with 2 interrupted sutures.
Next, wound edge eversion was achieved by placing two interrupted, superficial 5.0 fast-absorbing gut sutures. This will minimize the scar appearance.
Dermabond was applied next and the sutures were protected by a small piece of Tegaderm. This will be left in place until it spontaneously falls off.