ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Dermoid cysts are benign neoplasms that are derived from both ectoderm and mesoderm. Approximately 7 percent of all dermoid cysts occur in the head and neck, as most common sites are the lateral ends of the eyebrows, the midline in the nasal root and neck. Rarely they can be found in the frontal sinus, temporal bone, maxilla and the floor of the mouth. Dermoid cysts in the temporal fossa are extremely rare. We experienced a characteristic dermoid cyst that occupied the temporal fossa. METHODS: A 16-year-old man had a progressive enlarging mass on the left eyebrow. Computerized tomographic scan showed a bulging mass in the temporal fossa, and it had the density similar to that of fat. The size of the mass was 3x3x2cm, and it was composed of high density of fat with clear margin. There was no bony invasion, but the mass was fixed on bone. RESULTS: We performed the surgery through coronal incision under general anesthesia. Because the mass was closely connected with temporal fat pads, we removed this mass with some portion of temporal fat pads, avoiding damage to the facial nerve. The postoperative course was ordinary without complication. CONCLUSION: The reports about dermoid cyst on the temporal fossa is uncommon. However, if there is a mass in the temporal fossa which has the density similar to that of fat in CT scan, we should consider the possibility of dermoid cyst. We suggest that excision through coronal incision with bewaring temporal fat pad can induce good result.