Medical expert of the article
New publications
Dermoid cyst of the eye
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Dermoid cyst of the eye is a benign cystic lesion from the group of teratomas (choristomas) formed by the displacement of the ectoderm under the skin along the lines of embryonic junction. Dermoids are lined with keratinized squamous epithelium (like skin), have a fibrous capsule and contain accessory elements of the skin, such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
Epidermoid cysts do not contain such adnexal structures. Dermoids can be: superficial, deep, located respectively anteriorly or posteriorly from the tarso-orbital fascia.
[ Superficial dermoid cyst
A superficial dermoid cyst appears in childhood as a painless nodule in the superotemporal and sometimes in the superoinner orbit.
Symptoms of superficial dermoid cyst of the eye: a dense, round, smooth, painless formation with a diameter of 1-2 cm, usually easily displaced under the skin. The posterior borders are easily accessible to palpation, which indicates the absence of deep spread.
Treatment of superficial dermoid cyst of the eye: total excision. It is important not to rupture the capsule, since the outpouring of keratin into the surrounding tissues leads to severe granulomatous inflammation.
Deep dermoid cyst
Deep dermoid cyst appears in adolescence or middle age.
Symptoms of a deep dermoid cyst of the eye: exophthalmos, dystopia, or the presence of a space-occupying lesion for which the posterior boundaries cannot be determined.
CT reveals a heterogeneous formation with well-defined boundaries.
Treatment of deep dermoid cyst of the eye. Total excision is recommended, because a deep dermoid cyst increases in size and can rupture, spilling its contents into the surrounding tissues. This usually leads to the development of painful granulomatous inflammation, often followed by fibrosis. If incompletely removed, cysts can recur and be accompanied by sluggish inflammation.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?