Epidermoids and dermoids of the calvarian bones in early childhood: their behaviour in the growing skull.

Thirteen out of 25 cystic lesions of the infantile skull, radiographically classified as epidermoids or dermoids of the calvarian bones, disappeared spontaneously during early childhood. A further six lesions showed involution. In all, 19/25 lesions were involutive. In no case did we find an enlargement which could be attributed with certainly, to growth after the age of 3 years. These findings strongly support the opinion of Fauré that by far most of these lesions are non-evolutive and generally do not need surgical treatment. Only lesions which do persist beyond the third year of life and grow continuously or begin to grow again need to be operated. Thus, we recommend a conservative attitude and a radiographic follow-up at long intervals.