Intraoral Epidermoid Cyst: Case Report and Literature Review

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of an epidermoid cyst in the upper lip and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare clinical case of an intraoral epidermoid cyst in the upper lip and reinforces its management through surgical excision.

Findings

A 68-year-old female presented with a painless, slow-growing upper lip swelling confirmed as an epidermoid cyst.

Surgical excision under local anesthesia led to no recurrence at six-month follow-up.

The case highlights the need for clinical awareness to differentiate epidermoid cysts from other oral pathologies.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Epidermoid cysts are benign lesions originating from germinative epithelium, characterized by a keratin-filled cavity. They are histopathologically classified as epidermoid, dermoid, or teratoid. Intraoral cases are exceedingly rare, comprising less than 0.01% of all oral cystic lesions, most frequently affecting the floor of the mouth. While usually asymptomatic, they may become painful due to infection or growth. Because of their rarity in sites such as the upper lip, they may be clinically misdiagnosed, making awareness crucial for accurate management. Methods: Diagnosis is primarily clinical and histopathological, with imaging reserved for complex or deep-seated lesions. Complete surgical excision is the standard treatment to prevent recurrence. In this case, diagnostic evaluation included careful clinical inspection, assessment of consistency and mobility, and excisional biopsy with subsequent histopathological confirmation. Results: We report a rare case of a 68-year-old female presenting with a painless, slow-growing swelling of the upper lip. Clinical examination revealed a solitary, whitish, mobile lesion. Histopathological analysis confirmed an epidermoid cyst. The lesion was surgically excised under local anesthesia, with no recurrence observed at six-month follow-up. The outcome highlights the success of surgical management and the importance of monitoring even when the lesion appears benign. Conclusions: Although uncommon in the upper lip, epidermoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submucosal swellings. Complete surgical excision offers a favorable outcome and prevents recurrence. Reporting such rare presentations expands clinical awareness and assists in differentiating these lesions from other pathologies of the oral cavity.

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