Dermoid cysts of the ovary

Primordial germinative cell differentiation anomalies give rise to a whole array of generally benign ovarian tumours which are sometimes of glandular structure and functionally active. In certain cases, they deviate from their normal proliferative line and give rise to malignant tumours of various histological nature. Attention is called to the malignant variations of dermoid cysts and to the importance of careful differential diagnosis for the purpose of correct surgical conduct.     

Dermoid cysts of the posterior cranial fossa in children. Report of nine cases and review of the literature

Dermoids of the posterior cranial fossa in children are rare. We report the clinical and pathological data on nine children with these lesions. A mean follow-up of 17.3 years after total removal confirms the excellent prognosis irrespective of whether the presenting symptom is meningitis or intracranial hypertension. A brief review of 39 published cases follows.     

Infected urachal cysts: a review of 10 cases

Disorders of urachal remnants are uncommon. While a urachal cyst usually is asymptomatic, infection may mimic a variety of acute intra-abdominal or pelvic processes. We describe 10 patients in 2 distinct age groups (the young child and the young adult) with an infected urachal cyst. The presenting symptoms and signs in most patients included dysuria, severe lower abdominal pain and fever. In 7 patients the correct preoperative diagnosis was made. Diagnoses at referral included Crohn's disease, bladder carcinoma and pelvic inflammatory disease. A single procedure was performed in 7 cases and a staged technique was used in 3. The differential diagnosis of acute abdominal and pelvic pain or a midline lower abdominal mass in the pediatric or young adult age group should include infection of a urachal remnant.     

Splenic cysts: a review of 6 cases.

Benign cysts of the spleen are rare. Six cases have been managed in this hospital in the past 25 years. The history, physical findings and investigations are reviewed. It is suggested that splenectomy is the treatment of choice as it carries a low morbidity and mortality.     

Congenital dermoid cysts and fistulae of the nose. Apropos of 19 cases]

Nineteen patients with nasal dermal sinuses were operated over a period of twelve years. 12 patients presented with a fistula and 8 with a cyst. One of them presented with a double sinus ostia. In six patients, intracranial extension was confirmed through a surgical approach. Clinical examination and CT scans determined the choice of surgical approach. All sinuses were removed by two surgical procedures: direct incisions, either vertical midline or horizontal glabellar, and nasofrontal osteotomy via a coronal approach. The main theories of dermoid development are explained and embryogenesis is compared to the operative findings.     

Parathyroid cysts: reprot of 2 cases and review of the literature

Although parathyroid cysts are rarely described in the literature, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cysts occurring in the anterior compartment of the neck. We report two cases. The presence of elevated parahormone in the clear fluid aspirate is the diagnostic criterion. Parathyroid cysts may be functional, probably resulting from cystic formation of a parathyroid adenoma, or non function with their own epithelial lining, probably arising from remnants of the pharyngeal pouch or Kursteiner's canal. Search for both hypercalcemia and hypophosphoremia are needed. Fine needle aspiration provides the diagnosis and is also the treatment of choice for non-functional parathyroid cysts. Aspiration of functional cysts can reduce the hormone level to normal prior to surgical removal.     

Pseudocyst of the auricle: a review of 21 cases

Pseudocyst of the auricle (benign idiopathic cystic chondromalacia) is rare. Only 20 cases have been previously reported in the literature. Our study retrospectively reviews 21 additional cases. We conclude that idiopathic cystic chondromalacia can occur in both sexes, in all races, and at any age. The differential diagnoses for idiopathic cystic chondromalacia are relapsing polychondritis and chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis. Recurrence of idiopathic cystic chondromalacia is uncommon following adequate local treatment.