Inguinal dermoid cyst presenting as an incarcerated inguinal hernia

Abstract A case of an inguinal dermoid cystpresenting as an incarcerated inguinal herniain a 18-year-old boy is reported. A differential diagnosisof masses in the inguinal region is discussed and includes not only hernias but also gynecologic and vascular lesions. Dermoid cystsmust be included in the differential diagnosis. Histologically, these cystsare characterized by an external lining composed of squamous epithelium with an underlying fibroconnective tissue containing hair follicles, sebaceous, eccrine, and apocrineglands. The presence of all the skin appendagesin these cystsdistinguishes them from epidermoid and sebaceous cysts. The lack of structures foreign to skin differentiates them from dermoids (benign cystic teratomas) in the ovarian, testicular, retroperitoneal, and sacrococcygeal region.