Epidermoid cyst: Report of two cases

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon, benign cystic lesions derived from the entrapment of surface epithelium or more often from the aberrant healing of infundibular epithelium during an episode of follicular inflammation. ECs occur anywhere on the body, particularly along embryonic fusion lines, most commonly on the face, scalp, neck, chest and upper back. Head and neck ECs constitute only about 7%, whereas only 1.6% of ECs are reported in the oral cavity. They comprise <0.01% of all the oral cysts. Floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, palate, jaws, etc., are some of the reported sites of ECs in the oral cavity. Microscopically, ECs are lined with plain stratified squamous epithelium filled with laminated layers of keratin. Here, we report two rare cases of ECs, one occurring in the gingival aspect and other in the lower third of face. The cases are reported due to rarity of ECs in the head and neck region.