Post auricular dermoid cyst - A rare lump behind the ear

Abstract

Dermoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies. They are postulated to originate from congenital inclusion of germ layers in the deeper tissues along the lines of embryonic fusion. Dermoid cysts can be divided into three types according to their histological characteristics namely epidermoid, dermoid, and teratoid. Majority of dermoid cysts arise in the ovaries. Those occurring in the cervicofacial region are uncommon, accounting for about 7 % of all dermoids. Dermoid cysts around the auricular region are rare. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only five cases of post-auricular dermoid cyst reported in literature. We hereby report the sixth case of this rare condition. Level of Evidence: Level V, diagnostic study. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.