[Dermoid cysts of the oral floor. A clinical case report and review of the literature].

The authors report two cases of dermoid cysts of the oral floor. The incidence of this pathology in this region is difficult to assess due to the rarity of reported cases. In particular, dermoid cysts appear to derive from the inclusion of epithelial cells on the median line in the fusion point between the first and second branchial arch. Other pathogenetic causes are however reported in the literature, namely traumatic epidermal implants during fetal development in utero. Dermoid cysts are most frequently manifested between the second and sixth decade of life, although cases of younger and older patients have been reported. All the authors agree that there is no sex-related preference. In general, the patient becomes aware of the pathology due to the gradual deterioration of locoregional functional signals: difficulties related to speech, chewing and swallowing. These symptoms are closely correlated to the size of the lesion. The development of the cyst is usually slow and does not involve painful symptoms, but it may become rapid and painful in the presence of concomitant phlogistic processes. In the first case an 18-year-old patient reported the appearance some 4 years earlier of a swelling measuring approximately 4 x 2 cm, involving the entire front portion of the oral floor; the swelling was spontaneously painful. Having been referred to the authors'attention the patient showed a swelling which was localized on the mid oral floor, the size of a tangerine and with a hard elastic consistency and taut, shiny mucous covering; the swelling was apparently normotrophic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)