A Case of Giant Epidermoid Cyst in the Floor of the Mouth That Caused Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

We describe here, a case with a giant epidermoid cyst in the floor of the mouth that caused severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). A 37-year-old man was referred to our clinic because of a swelling in the floor of his mouth and sleep apnea syndrome. The occurrence of breathing disorders and daytime drowsiness was monitored to evaluate his OSAS 1 day before and 7 days after surgery. Before surgery, the apnea-hyponea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were 45.7 and 22, respectively. The clinical diagnosis was a dermoid or an epidermoid cyst that caused severe OSAS. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent intraoral surgical removal of the cyst, along with aspiration to reduce the mass. After surgery, his sleep apnea syndrome was significantly improved. The postoperative AHI and ESS were 5.5 and 7, respectively. As of 2 years after the operation, there was no evidence of recurrence.