Abstract

Epidermoid cysts are benign inclusion cysts lined by stratified squamous epithelium that are rarely seen in the head and neck region. They are mostly located in the submental region of the head and neck region. Histologically, they are classified as dermoid, epidermoid and teratoid cysts. Usually they manifest themselves as a slowly growing painless mass. Rarely, they may deviate from the neck midline and extend to the submandibular space. Epidermoid cysts located in neck may cause difficulty in chewing, dyspnea, dysphonia or dysphagia and may reach life-threatening dimensions. They may lead to impaired quality of life due to repeated infections and suppuration and increased morbidity due to spontaneous rupture. Low risk of malignant transformation is present. In this article, we present a 31-year-old female patient operated due to epidermoid cyst located in the submandibular region that reached gigantic dimensions.