Primary intracranial squamous cell carcinoma arising in an epidermoid cyst--a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Primary intracranial squamous cell carcinoma is extremely rare, with most of the cases arising from malignant transformation of an epidermoid or a dermoid cyst. We report here a case of a 45-year-old male patient who presented with 1-month history of intermittent headache and recent onset of altered sensorium. Imaging revealed a midline posterior fossa mass lesion compressing the fourth ventricle and causing hydrocephalus. A provisional diagnosis of dermoid cyst was considered. Histopathological examination revealed a squamous cell carcinoma possibly arising from an underlying epidermoid cyst. This entity is being reported for its rarity.