[The dumb-bell orbital dermoid].

Bony resorption was a characteristic radiogram finding in a series of 25 cases of dumb-bell orbital dermoid, and a definitive diagnosis of the nature and locality of the tumor could be done by ultrasonography, CT, or MRI. In all the 25 cases, the mass was lodged between the orbit and the temporal fossa, the frontal sinus, or the cranial fossa like a dumb-bell. The authors emphasized the use of X-ray, ultrasonography, CT or MRI before operation, and thorough clearance of the cystic and fistula wall with cauterization by carbolic acid was imperative for the prevention of recurrences.