Congenital dermoid cysts of the anterior fontanelle in Chinese children

Eight cases of congenital dermoid cysts over the anterior fontanelle have been encountered in Chinese children at the Veterans' General Hospital, Taipei, in the past 4 years. This is the largest series of this anomaly reported in a Chinese population. These children were 3 months to 13 years old, with a female-to-male ratio of 5:3. All of the cysts presented with a nontender subgaleal mass over the anterior fontanelle. The size of these cysts ranged from 1 to 5 cm. The contents of the cysts were pasty and semisolid. In CT scan studies and at surgery, the cysts showed no intracranial extension. Simple surgical excision was adequate.