Anterior fontanelle scalp cysts in infancy.

Seven infant patients with anterior fontanelle scalp cysts who were managed at the Paediatric Surgical Department of Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar-es-Salaam between January 1986 and December, 1992 were studied. They were all Africans. There were 2 boys and 5 girls. Their ages ranged from 4 months to 24 months. The onset was at birth in 6 infants while in one case it was at 3 months of age. Their mental as well as motor development was normal. They were all easily and completely excised and in none was there intracranial communication. The histology was that of dermoid cyst in 6 patients and sebaceous cyst in one. There were no preoperative or postoperative complications noted.