Case
About this case
Operative video: Epidermoid. The background notes below summarise the anatomy, pathology and approach, with published references.
Reference notes
Background
Notes on this case’s cranial location, pathology and surgical approach, with published sources. General education only, not advice for any individual patient.
Pathology
Epidermoid
Epidermoid cysts are congenital inclusions lined by squamous epithelium that slowly accumulate keratin, insinuating around cranial nerves and vessels — classically in the cerebellopontine angle. They characteristically restrict diffusion on MRI, distinguishing them from arachnoid cysts.
Surgery aims to remove the capsule where safe; remnants densely adherent to neurovascular structures are left to avoid deficits, accepting slow recurrence.