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Dermoid Cyst

Cancer and Oncology · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-29 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 4 min read

A tumor consisting of displaced ectodermal structures along the lines of embryonic fusion, the wall being formed of epithelium-lined connective tissue, including skin appendages, and containing keratin, sebum, and hair.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (820 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

A tumor consisting of displaced ectodermal structures along the lines of embryonic fusion, the wall being formed of epithelium-lined connective tissue, including skin appendages, and containing keratin, sebum, and hair. (Stedman, 25th ed)

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Cyst, Dermoid; Cysts, Dermoid; Dermoid Cysts; Dermoid; Dermoids.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Cysts; Teratoma

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 5,123 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Dermoid Cyst” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 406 of them (7.9%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 3,184 records.

Reviews account for 382 records (7.5%) and meta-analyses for 2. Randomized controlled trials number 7 (0.1%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 3,184 records; 2000-2009: 752 records; 2010-2019: 781 records; 2020 onward: 406 records3,184through 19997522000-20097812010-20194062020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 19993,184
2000-2009752
2010-2019781
2020 onward406
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 7.5 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.0 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 0.1 percentReviews7.5% (382)Meta-analyses0.0% (2)Randomized controlled trials0.1% (7)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 5,123 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews3827.5%
Meta-analyses20.0%
Randomized controlled trials70.1%

Method: PubMed query "Dermoid Cyst"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.

Reading the evidence in cancer and oncology

Cancer research spans very different kinds of evidence. Laboratory studies in cell lines and animal models reveal mechanisms but often do not translate to patients. Early-phase trials mainly test safety and dosing, while phase 3 randomized trials and their meta-analyses are the usual basis for treatment conclusions. Outcomes also differ in meaning: tumour shrinkage, progression-free survival and overall survival are not interchangeable, and screening studies can be distorted by lead-time and overdiagnosis. When reading a result, check the cancer type and stage studied, the comparison treatment, and which outcome was measured.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Post-chemotherapy surgery in advanced non-seminomatous germ-cell testicular tumours: the significance of histology with particular reference to differentiated (mature) teratoma
Tait D, Peckham MJ, Hendry WF, Goldstraw P
1984Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
97cc by
PMID 6093838 · DOI · PMC1976989
Expansion of the phenotypic spectrum and description of molecular findings in a cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies
Chacon-Camacho OF, Lopez-Moreno D, Morales-Sanchez MA, Hofmann E, Pacheco-Quito M, Wieland I, et al.
2019Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
44cc by
PMID 30891959 · DOI · PMC6503218
Dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity: a 48-year retrospective study with focus on clinical and morphological features and review of main topics
Santos HB, Rolim LS, Barros CC, Cavalcante IL, Freitas RD, Souza LB
2020Review article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
24cc by
PMID 32134895 · DOI · PMC7211364
A dual-axis cisternal classification for congenital intracranial cystic lesions: implications for surgical strategy and long-term prognosis
Pop MM, Bouros D, Klimko A, Florian IA, Abrudan CI, Florian IS
2025Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
0cc by
PMID 41326900 · DOI · PMC12672678

Post-chemotherapy surgery in advanced non-seminomatous germ-cell testicular tumours: the significance of histology with particular reference to differentiated (mature) teratoma [1]

Research article Tait D, Peckham MJ, Hendry WF, Goldstraw P · · 1984 · cited 97 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Of a total of 307 patients treated with chemotherapy for advanced non-seminomatous germ-cell testicular tumours between 1976 and 1983, 73 (23.
Closing excerpt
The significance of these findings in relation to treatment induced differentiation is discussed.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (207 words)

Of a total of 307 patients treated with chemotherapy for advanced non-seminomatous germ-cell testicular tumours between 1976 and 1983, 73 (23.8%) had masses excised after treatment. Resected tissue showed residual malignancy in 16 (22%), fibrosis and necrosis in 25 (34%) and differentiated (mature teratoma) in 32 (44%). Of the 16 patients with tumour only 7 (44%) are alive and disease-free compared with 21/25 (84%) and 27/32 (84%) for fibrosis/necrosis and differentiated teratoma respectively. In addition to histological evidence of residual tumour, elevated serum markers at the time of surgery and/or incomplete excision of residual masses were adverse prognostic features. Of 12 patients with differentiated teratoma or fibrosis who had incomplete resections or densely adherent masses excised with difficulty, 7 subsequently relapsed. The majority of differentiated teratoma patients (75%) had evidence of differentiation in their primary tumours; 88% showed cystic change in metastases and almost one-third showed an increase in the size of metastases during chemotherapy. The data suggest that post-chemotherapy surgery may have a therapeutic as well as a diagnostic role and that complete excision of residual disease should be attempted even if resection at one site has shown either fibrosis or differentiated teratoma. The significance of these findings in relation to treatment induced differentiation is discussed.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 6093838 · DOI · PMC1976989

Expansion of the phenotypic spectrum and description of molecular findings in a cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies [2]

Research article Chacon-Camacho OF, Lopez-Moreno D, Morales-Sanchez MA, Hofmann E, Pacheco-Quito M, Wieland I, et al. · · 2019 · cited 44 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundPostzygotic KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and FGFR1 mutations result in a group of mosaic RASopathies characterized by related developmental anomalies in eye, skin, heart, and brain.
Closing excerpt
ConclusionOur study allowed the expansion of the clinical spectrum of mosaic RASopathies and supports that mosaicism for recurrent mutations in KRAS and FGFR1 is a commonly involved mechanism in these rare oculocutaneous anomalies.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (201 words)

BackgroundPostzygotic KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and FGFR1 mutations result in a group of mosaic RASopathies characterized by related developmental anomalies in eye, skin, heart, and brain. These oculocutaneous disorders include oculoectodermal syndrome (OES) encephalo-cranio-cutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), and Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome (SFMS). Here, we report the results of the clinical and molecular characterization of a novel cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies.MethodsTwo OES, two ECCL, and two SFMS patients were ascertained in the study. In addition, two subjects with unilateral isolated epibulbar dermoids were also enrolled. Molecular analysis included PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and FGFR1 genes in DNA obtained from biopsies (skin/epibulbar dermoids), buccal mucosa, and blood leukocytes. Massive parallel sequencing was employed in two cases with low-level mosaicism.ResultsIn DNA from biopsies, mosaicism for pathogenic variants, including KRAS p.Ala146Thr in two OES subjects, FGFR1 p.Asn546Lys and KRAS p.Ala146Val in ECCL patients, and KRAS p.Gly12Asp in both SFMS patients, was demonstrated. No mutations were shown in DNA from conjunctival lesions in two subjects with isolated epibubar dermoids.ConclusionOur study allowed the expansion of the clinical spectrum of mosaic RASopathies and supports that mosaicism for recurrent mutations in KRAS and FGFR1 is a commonly involved mechanism in these rare oculocutaneous anomalies.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 30891959 · DOI · PMC6503218

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity: a 48-year retrospective study with focus on clinical and morphological features and review of main topics [3]

Review article Santos HB, Rolim LS, Barros CC, Cavalcante IL, Freitas RD, Souza LB · · 2020 · cited 24 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundDermoid and epidermoid cysts are slow-growing, benign developmental cysts that arise from ectodermal tissue and can occur anywhere in the body.
Closing excerpt
Also, we may find some unusual findings in DCs, such as Pacini bodies.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (244 words)

BackgroundDermoid and epidermoid cysts are slow-growing, benign developmental cysts that arise from ectodermal tissue and can occur anywhere in the body. Less than 7% of these cysts involve the head and neck region, with only 1.6% of cases presenting in the oral cavity. To evaluate the clinical and histopathological features of dermoid (DCs) and epidermoid (ECs) cysts stored in the archives of a referred Oral Pathology Service over a 48-year-period, and to review current concepts about these cysts.Material and methodsAll DCs and ECs were reviewed, and clinical data were obtained from the patient records. Fourteen cases of DCs and thirteen cases of ECs were re-evaluated microscopically by 2 oral pathologists.ResultsAmong 15.387 cases, 14 (0.09%) had a histopathological diagnosis of DCs and 13 (0.08%) of ECs. For DCs, ten (71.4%) patients were women, with the mean age of 37.2 years. All DCs were lined by a stratified squamous epithelium (100%), with gut and respiratory epithelium observed in 1 (7.1%) and 2 (14.3%) cases, respectively. Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and Pacini bodies were also observed. For ECs, eight (61.5%) cases were in women, and the mean age was 38.2 years. All ECs were lined by a stratified squamous epithelium (100%). Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, and adipose tissue were observed in the fibrous capsule.ConclusionOur results suggest that stratified squamous epithelium is the predominant epithelial lining of these cystic lesions. Also, we may find some unusual findings in DCs, such as Pacini bodies.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32134895 · DOI · PMC7211364

A dual-axis cisternal classification for congenital intracranial cystic lesions: implications for surgical strategy and long-term prognosis [4]

Research article Pop MM, Bouros D, Klimko A, Florian IA, Abrudan CI, Florian IS · · 2025

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundCongenital intracranial cystic lesions-epidermoid, dermoid, neurenteric, Rathke, colloid-encompass a heterogeneous group of entities whose surgical behavior is only partly explained by histology.
Closing excerpt
This dual-axis anatomical model may inform more tailored operative strategies and long-term follow-up planning, complementing histological diagnosis in modern skull base surgery.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (168 words)

BackgroundCongenital intracranial cystic lesions-epidermoid, dermoid, neurenteric, Rathke, colloid-encompass a heterogeneous group of entities whose surgical behavior is only partly explained by histology. We propose a dual-axis cisternal topographic model (medial-lateral × dorsal-ventral) to compare surgical outcome in congenital intracranial cystic lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 110 patients with histologically confirmed congenital intracranial cysts undergoing surgical resection at a single tertiary center. Each lesion was categorized by cisternal topography in coronal and axial planes, and correlations were assessed between topographic class, surgical parameters, recurrence, and outcomes. Inter-rater reliability of classification was measured using Cohen's kappa.ResultsLesions with complex cisternal topography-defined as extension across dorsal-ventral (multicompartmental, MCL) or combined median-paramedian compartments-showed higher recurrence (42.1% and 50%, respectively; p ConclusionsCisternal topography was associated with recurrence, surgical complexity, and postoperative outcome in congenital cystic lesions. Lesions with multicompartmental or midline-paramedian axial spread carry a high-risk profile and warrant extended surveillance beyond five years. This dual-axis anatomical model may inform more tailored operative strategies and long-term follow-up planning, complementing histological diagnosis in modern skull base surgery.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41326900 · DOI · PMC12672678

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article An analysis of 2,480 space-occupying lesions of the orbit from 1976 to 2011 [5]
    Bonavolontà G, Strianese D, Grassi P, Comune C, Tranfa F, Uccello G, et al. · Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg · 2013 · cited 165 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Dermoid cysts of the ovary with malignant transformation: MR appearance [6]
    Kido A, Togashi K, Konishi I, Kataoka ML, Koyama T, Ueda H, et al. · AJR Am J Roentgenol · 1999 · cited 102 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts [7]
    Stendel R, Pietilä TA, Lehmann K, Kurth R, Suess O, Brock M · Surg Neurol · 2002 · cited 85 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Dermoid cyst in the floor of the mouth. Review of the literature and case reports [8]
    King RC, Smith BR, Burk JL · Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol · 1994 · cited 77 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Thyroglossal duct and other congenital midline cervical anomalies [9]
    Foley DS, Fallat ME · Semin Pediatr Surg · 2006 · cited 68 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Congenital frontonasal masses: developmental anatomy, malformations, and MR imaging [10]
    Hedlund G · Pediatr Radiol · 2006 · cited 66 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Tait D, Peckham MJ, Hendry WF, Goldstraw P. Post-chemotherapy surgery in advanced non-seminomatous germ-cell testicular tumours: the significance of histology with particular reference to differentiated (mature) teratoma. . 1984. PMID 6093838 · DOI · PMC1976989
  2. Chacon-Camacho OF, Lopez-Moreno D, Morales-Sanchez MA, Hofmann E, Pacheco-Quito M, Wieland I, et al.. Expansion of the phenotypic spectrum and description of molecular findings in a cohort of patients with oculocutaneous mosaic RASopathies. . 2019. PMID 30891959 · DOI · PMC6503218
  3. Santos HB, Rolim LS, Barros CC, Cavalcante IL, Freitas RD, Souza LB. Dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity: a 48-year retrospective study with focus on clinical and morphological features and review of main topics. . 2020. PMID 32134895 · DOI · PMC7211364
  4. Pop MM, Bouros D, Klimko A, Florian IA, Abrudan CI, Florian IS. A dual-axis cisternal classification for congenital intracranial cystic lesions: implications for surgical strategy and long-term prognosis. . 2025. PMID 41326900 · DOI · PMC12672678
  5. Bonavolontà G, Strianese D, Grassi P, Comune C, Tranfa F, Uccello G, et al.. An analysis of 2,480 space-occupying lesions of the orbit from 1976 to 2011. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013. PMID 23470516 · DOI
  6. Kido A, Togashi K, Konishi I, Kataoka ML, Koyama T, Ueda H, et al.. Dermoid cysts of the ovary with malignant transformation: MR appearance. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1999. PMID 9930800 · DOI
  7. Stendel R, Pietilä TA, Lehmann K, Kurth R, Suess O, Brock M. Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts. Surg Neurol. 2002. PMID 12176198 · DOI
  8. King RC, Smith BR, Burk JL. Dermoid cyst in the floor of the mouth. Review of the literature and case reports. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1994. PMID 7838461 · DOI
  9. Foley DS, Fallat ME. Thyroglossal duct and other congenital midline cervical anomalies. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2006. PMID 16616309 · DOI
  10. Hedlund G. Congenital frontonasal masses: developmental anatomy, malformations, and MR imaging. Pediatr Radiol. 2006. PMID 16532348 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-29.

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At a glance

5,123
PubMed records on this heading
8%
published since 2020
382
review articles
7
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-29; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

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