A Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from an Epidermal Cyst on the Right Temporal Area: A Rare Case Report

Author: Kuylhee KIM ¹ ; Donghyun LEE ; Chul Hoon CHUNG ; SeongJin CHO ; Yongjoon CHANG
Author Information

1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From: Korean Journal of Head and Neck Oncology 2024;40(2):17-20
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: Epidermal cyst is a benign lesion which is commonly encountered in practice, and malignant transformation of it is rare. There are few case reports in the literature about malignant transformation of an epidermal cyst into a squamous cell carcinoma. We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a 3-year epidermal cyst in the right temporal area of a 68-year-old man. The epidermal cyst was initially identified as a spot and treated with laser therapy. However, it recurred, leading to three surgical interventions at a different surgical clinic. Despite these procedures, the cyst persisted, leading to presenting to our department of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He presented with a 2.5cm sized subcutaneous mass with skin ulcerative lesion. After excision, histopathological examination confirmed squamous cell carcinoma from a ruptured epidermal cyst, with clear resection margins. This case underscores the importance of routine histological examinations in excision of epidermal cysts.