Dermoid Cyst-defined

A dermoid cyst is a slow-growing mass most often found on the scalp, face (usually beneath the eyebrow or near the bridge of the nose) or the neck. It is made up of skin breakdown products. Because this kind of a cyst (a cyst is an isolated mass with no drainage tracts) grows progressively, you child's doctor will refer you to a pediatric surgeon for further evaluation. If the dermoid cyst is located on the scalp, the surgeon will to see whether it extends through the cranium. For that reason, a child with a dermoid cyst on the scalp will probably undergo an X-ray of the skull. A consultation with a neurosurgeon may be needed and further imaging studies may be necessary. Dermoid cysts, because of their nature to grow progressively, should be removed surgically.