Large dermoid cyst of the tongue in a neonate: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Dermoid cysts of the tongue are very rare masses of the oral cavity derived from ectodermal elements. These tumours are benign and slow-growing, typically asymptomatic but large cysts that fill most of the oral cavity can cause complications of dyspnoea, dysphagia, respiratory obstruction, and difficult intubation. The definitive treatment is surgical excision. The aim of this report is to demonstrate that large intralingual cyst located at the anterior two-thirds of the tongue can present without difficulty in breathing, unlikely to have difficult intubation and, early excision can give a good outcome.
Patient: The patient is a new-born male who was brought to the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the hospital 13 hours after birth with a huge swelling in the tongue protruding outside the oral cavity. There was difficulty feeding, however no difficulty in breathing and no other congenital anomalies. The swelling obliterated most of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue up to the foramen caecum. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were diagnostic of dermoid cyst.
Intervention: The patient had surgical excision of the cyst under general anaesthesia on the 15th day of life. Histology was in keeping with a lingual dermoid cyst.
Conclusion: This is a rare large intralingual cyst successfully managed by early excision with an uneventful post-operative course.