[Giant extradural epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa]. / Kyste épidermoïde extra-dural géant de la fosse postérieure.

ABSTRACT

We report an unusual case of giant extradural epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa in a 73-year-old man. The patient presented headache and gait disturbance for 3-4 months, cerebellar ataxia, left cerebellar dysmetria, and perturbed balance. The CT-scan showed a huge posterior fossa extradural lesion with a small area of peripheral contrast enhancement. Outcome was good after total resection of the lesion via a suboccipital approach. Pathology reported an epidermoid cyst. Extradural epidermoid cyst is a rare benign tumor of the skull which sometimes can reach considerable size. It is a slow growing lesion and may cause mild neurological deficits. The goal of surgical treatment is total resection of the tumor with its capsule. The long-term prognosis is excellent after successful resection.