Malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst in the temporal and prepontine region: Report of a case and differential diagnosis

Malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst is rare. The current report presents a case of a 55-year-old female patient with squamous cell carcinoma arising from a benign epidermoid cyst in the left temporal region and prepontine area. She had undergone subtotal resection of an epidermoid cyst 7 months previously. Preoperative imaging findings included a focal enhancing area adjacent to the lesion. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated an increase in the size of the enhancing area. The patient underwent removal of the lesion and postoperative histological examination revealed a squamous cell carcinoma possibly arising from the epidermoid cyst. Accurate diagnosis of malignant transformation prior to operation is difficult; however, the possibility of an intracranial epidermoid cyst must be considered if a focally enhancing area is visible. Postoperative histological examinations may be used to determine a definite diagnosis, and accurate diagnosis is important for planning a rational therapeutic strategy.