Epidermoid / Dermoid

Benign tumors composed of cells that embryologically give rise to the skin and its appendages (hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, etc.

Epidermoid 

A tumor composed of squamous epithelial cells.

Can occur intracranial in the cerebellopontine angle and other locations as well as in the spine.

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Frequently cystic in radiographic and gross appearance.

Epidermoid formation can be a complication of lumbar puncture.

Dermoid

Tumor composed of squamous epithelial cells containing skin appendages.

(compare: teratoma)

Epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the spine

1-2% of spinal tumors.  Sac made up of skin-like cells, filled with waxy, pearly material.   Dermoid cysts have a similar sac wall but differ from epidermoid cysts in that they are yellow and buttery in consistency inside due to their content of hair follicles and skin (sebaceous and sweat) glands.

Enlarge over time.  

Can rupture causing chemical meningitis.

Surgical excision may be necessary.

Spine surgery Specialty Center

Dermoid tumor in the spinal cord under the microscope intra-op

Dermoid tumor in the spinal cord pre-op lumbosacral MRI

figure: epidermoid temporal fossa

figure: epidermoid cerebellopontine angle

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