Epidermoid cyst vs. Encephalocele

Left picture: The diagnosis is an epidermoid cyst. Right picture: The diagnosis is a nasal meningoencephalocele. Radiological imaging (CT, MRI) is not only necessary for the differentiation of both pathologies, but also for the definition of the composition of the cele and of the corresponding intracranial structures in the case of the meningoencephalocele, and for exclusion of an intranasal propagation in the case of the epidermoid or dermoid cyst. Epidermoid cysts can be localized anywhere from the glabella, via the tip of the nose, to the nasal septum.

The toddler and the newborn have a mass on the bridge of the nose. Left picture: This toddler exhibits a localized globular mass. Right picture: The mass lies broad-based over the glabella and is combined with a hypertelorism. Left picture: The skin over the mass is thin and reddened. Right picture: In this newborn the skin is similar to the surrounding skin, and irregular only in the center. Left picture: The mass is tight and firm on palpation. Right picture: The mass is cystic on palpation.