Epidermoid Cyst of the Brain or Spinal Cord
Epidermoid Cyst of the Brain or Spinal Cord
An epidermoid cyst is the growth of normal tissue in an abnormal place in the body. It contains skin and nail tissue. An epidermoid cyst is also called an epidermoid tumor. The cyst is not cancer (benign). But in rare cases, an epidermoid cyst may turn into skin cancer.
An epidermoid cyst grows very slowly. A cyst usually first appears when a person is an adult. It is most often found in one of these places:
An area where the brain meets the brain stem (cerabellopontine angle)
On the pituitary gland
Along the inside of the skull
Growing through the skull bone
What causes an epidermoid cyst?
The cyst forms in the brain or spinal cord when a few cells that normally grow elsewhere are trapped in the brain or spinal cord. They are often skin cells that are normally part of the skin of the face.
Symptoms of an epidermoid cyst
The symptoms depend on where the cyst is. You may have symptoms such as:
Seizures
Fever
Headaches
Facial pain
Numbness or weakness
Back pain
Balance problems
Stiff neck
Diagnosing an epidermoid cyst
Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and symptoms. He or she will give you a physical exam. This may include a neurologic exam. Imaging tests may be done to look at your brain and spinal cord. The tests may include:
CT scan. This is a test that uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create images of the inside of the body.
MRI. This test uses large magnets and a computer to create images of the body.
Treatment for an epidermoid cyst
An epidermoid cyst in the brain or spinal cord is usually treated with surgery. If the cyst is not completely removed during surgery, it will likely grow back. Regrowth of an epidermoid cyst is usually very slow. It may take years before symptoms return.
If an epidermoid cyst has turned into skin cancer, you may need surgery and radiation treatment.
When to call the healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
Headache that doesn’t go away
Fever
Seizures
Facial pain
Back pain
Stiff neck
Updated:  
December 16, 2017
Sources:  
Cembruzzi, E. Epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa: a case report. J Bras Patol Med Lab. Feb. 2011: vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 79-82.
Reviewed By:  
Shelat, Amit, MD,Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN