Epidermoid Cyst vs. Mucocele

Left picture: The diagnosis is an epidermoid cyst of the medial angle of the left eye. In contrast to the frequently observed epidermoid cyst of the lateral angle of the eye this site is not very common (I owe these pictures to Mrs. PD Dr.A.Eckstein, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Germany and Dr.B.Alamouti, Clinic of Ophthalmology CH-Basel). Right picture: The tumor in this neonate corresponds to a mucocele of the lacrimal duct, what explains the described shape and consistency.

Left picture: Toddler with a mass above the left inner angle of the eye. As well from the semi-oblique view from the right side (picture at top) as from the front view (picture at the bottom) the tumor protrudes spherically. Right picture: The mass in this newborn patient in the view from the left side lies below the inner angle of the right eye. The tumor is not very prominent and has not a distinct boundary to the adjacent tissue (see also the picture at the bottom with oblique view from the front). Left picture: The overlying skin is non-irritable. The tumor is solid and hard on palpation and has a firm attachment to the surface of the orbita and of the adjacent nose and front. Right picture: The tumor is smouth on palpation and changes its shape somewhat on compression.