THE SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF ORBITOFACIAL DERMOIDS IN THE PEDIATRIC-PATIENT

Orbitofacial dermoids in the pediatric population represent a diverse group of lesions. Because of their variability in both clinical presen tation and contiguous structure involvement, a thorough understanding of their surgical-pathologic anatomy is imperative. In this retrospect ive review of 84 lesions in 84 patients, we noted segregation of the l esions into three distinct subgroups: brow region dermoids, orbital re gion dermoids, and nasoglabellar dermoids. Further, we identified phys ical characteristics within each subgroup that appeared to direct diag nostic workup and subsequent surgical intervention. From this experien ce, a treatment algorithm was developed that gives the practitioner mo re precision in the management of these lesions.