Ovary
Germ cell tumors
Epidermoid cyst
Author: Mohiedean Ghofrani, M.D.
Last author update: 1 August 2011
Last staff update: 25 August 2022
Copyright: 2002-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Ovarian epidermoid cyst
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Terminology | Epidemiology | Etiology | Clinical features | Prognostic factors | Case reports | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Ghofrani M. Epidermoid cyst. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/ovarytumorEIC.html. Accessed June 5th, 2023.
Definition / general
- Ovarian cyst lined exclusively by mature squamous epithelium
Terminology
- Also called epidermal inclusion cyst
- Do not confuse with dermoid cyst, which is a mature cystic teratoma (see differential diagnosis)
Epidemiology
- Very rare
Etiology
- Either monodermal teratoma or originating from surface epithelium (given the presence of Walthard nests in the wall of some) or rete ovarii
Clinical features
- Often an incidental finding (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1976;124:523)
Prognostic factors
- May be associated with squamous cell carcinoma (Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 2005;32:265)
Case reports
- With ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (Zentralbl Gynakol 2002;124:443)
Gross description
- Cyst with creamy contents
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Smooth inner lining of stratified squamous epithelium with no evidence of hair or a Rokitansky tubercle (Int J Gynecol Pathol 1996;15:69)
- Also focally cystic nests within cyst wall containing mucin and keratin debris (Am J Clin Pathol 1980;73:272)
Microscopic (histologic) images
AFIP images
Keratinized material
Differential diagnosis
- Mature cystic teratoma: also has skin adnexa or other tissues
