Enhancing dermoid cyst evaluation, management, and care: the power of portable ultrasound devices and the integration of essential ultrasonography

This article presents a case report of a sublingual dermoid cyst in an 18-year-old female patient, highlighting the significance of ultrasound (US) examination in the planning, enucleation, and postoperative monitoring of the lesion. Dermoid cysts, characterized by skin appendages, sebaceous glands, and fatty tissue, are rare benign lesions in the head and neck region. The anatomical location of such cysts presents challenges in surgical management due to the complex organization of structures in the floor of the mouth. US plays a crucial role in evaluating the anatomical position and size of the cyst, aiding in surgical planning and follow-up. Real-time visualization provided by US minimizes the risk of complications during surgery and has proven effective in assessing blood vessels and surrounding structures. In this case, preoperative US imaging revealed a well-defined hypodense cyst located superior to the mylohyoid muscle, along with its extension to the sublingual glands. Intraoperative US imaging facilitated precise incision, dissection, and complete cyst removal while preserving adjacent anatomical structures. Postoperative follow-up confirmed the successful outcome with preservation of the anatomical pattern. This case highlights the significance of US in treating sublingual dermoid cysts, offering advantages such as real-time visualization, absence of ionizing radiation, and the ability to determine the nature of the lesion. US examination should be considered an essential tool in the management of dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth.