Epidermoid Cyst of the Canal of Nuck: A Rare Differential for Inguinolabial Mass: A Case Report

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts of the canal of Nuck are an uncommon surgical cause of female inguinal enlargement when the processus vaginalis fails to close during embryologic development. The canal of Nuck, formed by the processus vaginalis in the inguinal canal, is a homolog of the processus vaginalis in men. The canal of Nuck should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a non reducible groin mass is observed in women and girls. Ultrasonography (USG) is the primary imaging modality that accurately and reliably diagnoses these groin masses. The incidence of pathologies is mainly encountered in young girls and is lower in adults. Various pathologic disorders related to the failure of processus vaginalis obliteration can occur, including the herniation of intra-abdominal structures such as the uterus, fallopian tube, ovary and hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck. Hernias are often suspected in paediatric patients with lumps in the inguinal region. Here the authors, present a case of an epidermoid cyst of the canal of Nuck in a two-year-old female identified by USG and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The two-year-old female underwent surgical treatment, and subsequent histopathologic evaluation of the cystic lesion revealed an epidermoid cyst. Due to its rarity, the epidermoid cyst of the canal of Nuck is commonly misdiagnosed as a typical groin mass.

Keywords

• groin mass
• hernia
• magnetic resonance imaging
• ultrasonography
• uterus