A Dermoid Cyst of the Round Ligament Clinically Misdiagnosed as Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

We present a case of a dermoid cyst located in the round ligament in a patient with a preliminary diagnosis of inguinal hernia. The dermoid cyst was diagnosed based on MRI findings and confirmed histopathologically. Dermoid cyst (mature teratoma) is a congenital cystic tumour formed by the well-developed (mature) tissues of at least two of the three germinal layers. It is mainly encountered in the gonads. Location within the round ligament is quite rare. Due to the anatomical localization of the round ligament, dermoid cysts within it or other inguinal canal masses are usually misdiagnosed as inguinal hernia. However, when an inguinal canal mass is encountered, despite the higher hernia frequency, a proper suspicion and investigation with regard to masses in this area could be extremely important in preventing intraoperative surprises.

Key words:

• Dermoid cyst
• round ligament
• inguinal hernia.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

T. Ergun

T. Ergun, M.D. Baskent University School of Medicine Department of Radiology Alanya Teaching and Medical Research Centre 07400 Alanya, Antalya, Turkey Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]