A bulky dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth

Abstract

Introduction: Bulky dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth are very rare and may pose a problem of diagnosis. They also raise problems for the anesthesiologist and surgeon. We report the first case to be described in Togo.

Case report: A 23-year-old man was admitted for a submental submandibular sublingual mass. It was soft, depressable, painless, without adenopathies, raising the tongue against the palate and creating a "second tongue-like" aspect. Resection on intra-oral route removed an intact cyst of 13cm long axis. Histology diagnosed dermoid cyst.

Discussion: Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth present as a submental sublingual mass, which may cause dyspnea and disorders of swallowing, chewing and/or vocal function. Differential diagnosis concerns sublingual, submental and cervical masses. Definitive diagnosis is founded on the histology specimen. Imaging may assist diagnosis. Intubation may be problematic. The resection approach may be intra-oral or cervical.

Conclusion: Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth are rare. They may induce functional disorder. An intra-oral approach is preferable when possible.

Keywords: Congenital tumor; Cyst; Dermoid cyst; Floor of the mouth.