What is a dermoid cyst?
A dermoid cyst is a small, firm, skin-colored bump often found just above the eyebrow of infants or children. It is the most common orbital tumor in children but is not malignant.
Dermoid cysts can be present at birth or appear in the first two years of life. Parents often notice them accidentally, since they do not hurt. They might feel hard, like a dried bean, or rubbery to the touch. The cyst may be close to the surface (superficial) or deep. They are slow growing but will continue to grow, so surgical removal is the standard treatment.
Rarely, a dermoid cyst will be found in the middle of the forehead or on the nose and need to be evaluated more closely because they can have communication with the nervous system. Regardless, your pediatrician will send you to a pediatric surgeon, a pediatric neurosurgeon, or a plastic surgeon for evaluation and removal in the operating room.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, April 2019
I was diagnosed with a dermis tumor at age 45 when it ruptured. It was located on my brain. I had a place come up on my forehead between my eyes that looked like a zit. I popped it and the opening you can stick pencil eraser in it now. Today I pulled out 4 hairs from it bout 2-3 inches long. Could this be another dermis cyst