Dermoid cyst of nasal septum in an adult patient A case report

Rationale: Nasal dermoid cysts are rare congenital lesions and may present as a midline nasal swelling. Nasal dermoid cysts usually present at birth and are commonly diagnosed by 3 years of age. An incidentally detected nasal dermoid cyst in an adult patient is extremely rare. Patient concern: We report an unusual case of an adult patient with an incidentally diagnosed dermoid cyst of the nasal septum, which presented as a longstanding discharging pit in the nasal columella since childhood. Diagnosis: A preoperative diagnosis of dermoid cyst of the nasal septum was made. Intervention: We performed the external rhinoplasty incision, including a small elliptical incision for removal of the columella pit. Outcome: There has been no evidence of recurrence during the 2-year follow-up. Lessons: An incidentally detected nasal dermoid cyst in an adult patient is extremely rare. The most important point for the preoperative diagnosis of nasal dermoid cysts is to identify the presence or absence of intracranial extension. The treatment of choice for nasal dermoid cysts is complete surgical excision with clear margins.