Hina Abdul Qayoom Khan, Zain A Sobani, Arshad A Siddiqui.
Epidermoid cysts in the frontal lobe - a case series.
J Pak Med Students Jan ;1(3):95-9.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial epidermoid tumors account for approximately 1% of the intracranial tumors. These tumors are thought to arise from displaced epithelial remnants after the neural tube closure. These tumors are usually benign intradural but extracerebral lesions and are rarely found within the substance of the brain. Even more rare location for epidermoid tumors is fronto-ethmoidal. To the best of our knowledge, only 28 cases have been reported in this location so far. CASES: Here we report two cases of middle-aged men presenting with recurrent headaches, which were associated with behavioral changes and seizures. Both men were diagnosed with fronto-ethmoidal epidermoid cysts, which were surgically excised. Surgical excision was easily established due to the avascular nature of the tumor. However, the tumor capsules had to be left behind due to adhesions with vital structures. On follow-up visits, the patients were asymptomatic and were living without any residual symptoms. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection appears to be the mainstay of treatment; however, the extent of resection is dictated by adherence of the tumor capsule to the surrounding vital structures. The advantages of aggressive neurosurgical intervention must be weighed against an acceptable risk of neurological complications. Given the indolent growth pattern, subtotal resection is also acceptable.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com