Cutaneous Cystic Lesions of the Head and Neck Regions

Abstract

Objective: Cutaneous cysts of the head and neck regions have been an important problem because of both aesthetic concerns and their predisposition to infection. Material and Methods: Patients operated for cutaneous cysts of the head and neck regions between January 2008 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively for patient age and sex, localization and dimensions of the cysts, type of anesthesia used for excision, excision method, and histopathological diagnosis of cysts. The obtained data was compared with that reported in the literature. Results: A total of 164 patients who underwent operations for head and neck cutaneous cysts were included in the study. Epidermoid cysts were the most common type in the head and neck regions. When the localization of the cysts was analyzed, the scalp (26.3%), cheek (21.3%), and periorbital regions (15.2%) were found to be the most common locations. Conclusion: Cutaneous cysts are easy to diagnose; however, as in every tumor, histopathological examination is mandatory after excision. It should not be forgotten that malign lesions may have similar findings with benign ones.

Keywords

• Cutaneous cysts
• head and neck region