Umbilical epidermoid cyst: an unusual cause of umbilical symptoms.

for umbilical signs in adults (i.e., umbilical hernia, metastatic tumour, endometriosis, congenital abnormalities and gallstones retained or spilled at the umbilicus), the differential diagnosis should include epidermoid cyst arising from the skin of the umbilicus. Indeed, to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients with umbilical signs or symptoms, physicians should be aware that deep-seated epidermoid cysts may occur at the umbilicus and that these cysts may extend below the midline fascia. On the basis of our observations reported here and those reported elsewhere, at our institution, we believe that these cysts must be completely excised. We have not encountered any recurrence with this treatment. This communication describes 7 patients with symptoms resulting from an epidermoid cyst of the umbilicus. Patients and treatment