Dermoid cysts are typically characterized by which of the following features?

Dermoid cysts are typically characterized by which of the following features?

• A. Usually mobile, moving with the overlying skin, located in the submental or midline region
• B. Fixed to deeper tissues and located near the ear
• C. Always painful and inflamed
• D. Located posterior to the ear

Answer: (A)

Dermoid cysts in the head and neck are benign congenital inclusion cysts that arise along lines of embryologic fusion, so they most often sit in the midline, such as the submental region or floor of the mouth. Because they lie in the subcutaneous tissue, they form a soft, mobile mass that moves with the overlying skin rather than being fixed to deeper tissues. They are usually painless and noninflamed unless infected, so painful, inflamed presentation is not typical. A lesion located posterior to the ear or fixed to deeper structures would suggest a different type of cyst or pathology. Therefore, the characteristic feature is a mobile mass in the midline region, consistent with a dermoid cyst.

Dermoid cysts in the head and neck are benign congenital inclusion cysts that arise along lines of embryologic fusion, so they most often sit in the midline, such as the submental region or floor of the mouth. Because they lie in the subcutaneous tissue, they form a soft, mobile mass that moves with the overlying skin rather than being fixed to deeper tissues. They are usually painless and noninflamed unless infected, so painful, inflamed presentation is not typical. A lesion located posterior to the ear or fixed to deeper structures would suggest a different type of cyst or pathology. Therefore, the characteristic feature is a mobile mass in the midline region, consistent with a dermoid cyst.