Congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaque: the nasal dermoid

Abstract

Congenital midline nasal masses are rare anomalies, of which dermoid cysts are the most common type. Nasal dermoids have been classically described in the literature as pale, flesh-colored, pearly, or erythematous nodules or masses. The presentation of a nasal dermoid as an ill-defined, yellowish plaques has not been emphasized previously. We describe three infants who presented with congenital, ill-defined, yellowish plaques of the midline nasal dorsum. We attribute the yellowish color to the relative prominence of sebaceous glands within the cyst, given the nasal location. Recognition of this unusual presentation of a nasal dermoid is important in order that appropriate imaging and intervention be undertaken.