Pediatric Neurosurgery In Primary Care Masses Of The Scalp And Skull In Children

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are non-neoplastic ectodermal inclusion cysts lined by epithelium, each containing different contents, typically presenting in the first 4 decades of life and more commonly found in male individuals (Table 1).1 Dermoids can be composed of tissue derived from ectoderm, including hair, sebaceous and sweat glands, and squamous epithelium, whereas epidermoids are made of only squamous epithelium.1 Both types of cysts arise from pouches of ectoderm that either become trapped or from failure of the surface ectoderm to separate from the center dot Computed tomography imaging is optimal for workup and further characterization of skull masses, as this provides the best method for evaluating bony lesions. center dot MR imaging is optimal for workup and further characterization of soft tissue lesions in addition to evaluating significant anatomic structures that may affect surgical planning. center dot When in doubt, referral to a pediatric neurosurgeon for further evaluation and workup is beneficial for timely diagnosis, and if necessary, surgical intervention.