A retrospective study on the features of cutaneous cysts of the head and neck as seen in a North Jordanian population.
Patients and Methods
The records of the Department of Pathology at Jordan University of Science and Technology were reviewed for patients with cutaneous cysts of the head and neck during the 12-year period extending between 1991 and 2002. Applicable records were retrieved, reviewed, and analyzed. Primary analysis outcome measures included patient age, gender, location of the cyst, type, clinical presentation, and treatment. The records of 488 patients were available for analysis.
Results
Epidermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion (49%) followed by pilar cysts (27%), and dermoid cysts (22%). The site affected most frequently was the scalp (34%), predominantly with pilar cysts (96%). Epidermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion in the neck (68%), cheeks (77%), periauricular area (70%), and the nasal area (55%). Dermoid cyst was the most frequent lesion in the periorbital area (52%). Females represented 51% of the patients and males accounted for 49%. The peak of age distribution for patients with dermoid cysts was at the first decade, and both of epidermoid and pilar cysts peaked at the third decade. Infection presented in 2.5% of cases. All cysts were enucleated surgically.
Conclusion
Maxillofacial surgeons often encounter cutaneous cysts of the head and neck, and they must be familiar with the clinicopathologic characteristics of these lesions.
⁎Associate Professor, Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology and King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
†Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Jordan University of Science and Technology and King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
‡Assistant Professor, Division of Otorinolaryngology, Jordan University of Science and Technology and King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Al-Khateeb: Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, PO BOX 3030, Jordan
ABSTRACT