Intra Bony Epidermoid Cyst Mimicking Odontogenic Cyst – A Case Report

Epidermoid and Dermoid cysts are benign lesions encountered throughout the body. These cysts are cystic malformations lined with squamous epithelium. Development of these cysts in the oral cavity is extremely rare. Epidermoid cysts can arise by a development of entrapped ectodermal tissue of the first and second branchial arches or can also arise due to surgical or accidental implantation of epithelial cells into deeper tissues. Clinically, the lesion presents as a slow-growing asymp­tomatic mass, usually located in the midline, above or below the mylohyoid muscle. Histologically, they can be further classified as epidermoid, dermoid or teratoid. Originally the implantation cysts are developed from congenital inclusion of ectodermal tissue during embryological development. But sometimes they may originate through implantation of epithelium by either surgical or accidental trauma into deeper mesenchymal tissues. This article presents a rare case of inclusion type of epidermoid cyst in the body of the mandible.