Submental epidermoid cyst masquerading as a giant plunging ranula: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Submental epidermoid (epidermal) cyst is a very rare non-neoplastic cyst lined by squamous epithelium that arises from the floor of the mouth. It can sometimes clinically resemble a giant plunging ranula. This is a case report of a 20-year-old female who presented with a slow growing largely asymptomatic lower jaw swelling of 10 years’ duration. A clinical diagnosis of giant plunging ranula was made. An excisional biopsy/corrective surgery was performed and subsequent histopathological evaluation revealed that this submental lesion was an epidermoid cyst. Thus, Submental epidermoid (epidermal) cyst can mimic a giant plunging ranula in its clinical presentation. Therefore, histopathologic evaluation is critical in making definitive diagnosis in such scenarios.

Keywords

• Epidermal cyst
• ranula
• cysts
• jaw
• mouth