Fourth ventricle epidermoid cyst – a case report

Abstract

An epidermoid cyst is a slowly growing, typically benign tumour, which requires surgical treatment. It usually develops in the cerebellopontine angle or parasellar region, and only occasionally appears in the ventricular system. It is unusual for an epidermoid cyst to place itself in the fourth ventricle. There have only been few reports on this subject published in the literature in the recent years, and therefore, we would like to present a comprehensive description of a fourth ventricle epidermoid cyst diagnosed in two patients in a short period of time. Optimal recovery of the patient, with a minimal risk of tumour recurrence, is best accomplished by total microscopic removal of the mass.

Keywords

• epidermoid cyst
• fourth ventricle
• cholesteatoma