A Case of Iatrogenic Epidermoid Cyst in the Temporal Bone Following Tympanoplasty through Retroauricular Approach

ABSTRACT

Iatrogenic epidermoid cyst of the retroauricular area after ear surgery is extremely unusual. Epidermoid cyst is an intradermal or subcutaneous sac-like structure which is lined with well differentiated stratified squamous epithelium containing keratohyalin granules. These cysts are thought to arise as a result of implantation of epidermal cells into the deeper dermal elements by trauma or previous surgery. We report a 42-year-old female with retroauricular epidermoid cyst invading into the temporal bone who underwent tympanoplasty 15 years ago. The lesion was surgically excised, histopathologic examination revealed an epidermoid cyst. Therefore we report the case along with review of literature.