Postauricular Dermoid Cyst in a Young Nigerian Man: A Case Report

Abstract

Aim: To describe an uncommon postauricular dermoid cyst in a young Nigerian man and document its clinical, radiological, operative, and histopathological features. Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old man presented with a slow-growing right postauricular mass that had been noticed at birth. He reported no additional symptoms and no history of traumatic or inflammatory events, but the lesion had contributed to low self-esteem. Examination showed a soft 37 mm x 23 mm x 17 mm mass that obliterated the postauricular sulcus and was not attached to the overlying skin. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that the lesion was confined to the subcutaneous tissue. The swelling was completely excised under local anaesthesia, revealing a well-encapsulated mass in contact with the pericranium of the temporal bone. Histopathological examination showed a cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium with pilosebaceous units and adipose tissue, and keratinous debris within the lumen, confirming a dermoid cyst. No recurrence was observed 2 months after surgery. Discussion: Postauricular dermoid cysts are rare congenital lesions and may resemble other benign postauricular masses clinically. Imaging may assist in defining lesion extent when appropriate, whereas complete excision provides treatment and tissue for definitive histopathological classification. Conclusion: Histopathological confirmation remains important for distinguishing a dermoid cyst from clinically similar postauricular lesions and for establishing the final diagnosis.