Presentation of a New Imaging Classification for Giant Dermoid Cyst. Case Report And Literature Review

Introduction : Intracranial dermoid cysts are rare, benign tumors, making up 0.04–0.6% of brain tumors and originating from ectodermal cells, unlike more complex teratomas from pluripotent germ cells. Dermoid cysts, containing only ectodermal derivatives, differ from epidermoid cysts by lacking dermal appendages. They commonly cause symptoms like seizures and headaches, with specific types associated with their rupture or chronic presence, impacting nearby brain structures. Material and Method : Our systematic literature review and case series presentation on neurosurgical management of Giant Dermoid Cysts (GDCs) began by identifying 15 full-text articles that met all inclusion criteria were analyzed in detail along with specific cases from our clinical series. These studies and cases provided insights into diagnostic approaches, surgical techniques, and patient outcomes, emphasizing the complexities of complete resection and the use of advanced surgical technologies. Results : The clinical outcomes of two patients from our case series were also included: a 32-year-old female presented with progressive headaches and occasional dizziness, undergoing subtotal resection with two subsequent surgeries due to recurrence over a 10-year period, and a 45-year-old male experiencing dizziness and seizures, who underwent successful total resection with no recurrence after 10 years. Conclusions : This study highlights the complexities involved in managing Giant Dermoid Cysts (GDCs) neurosurgical and underscores the critical role of advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies in improving patient outcomes. Importantly, the introduction of the Reyes-Velez classification system offers a structured approach to diagnosing and managing these cysts, providing clinicians with a valuable tool to enhance surgical planning, predict potential complications, and guide therapeutic decisions. This new classification system is instrumental in advancing the standardization and effectiveness of treatment protocols for GDCs.