Removal of Subcutaneous Dermoids With the Assistance of a Cryoprobe

To the Editor.  —Superficial subcutaneous dermoid tumors are choristomas that usually appear clinically during childhood.¹ They present as well-circumscribed subcutaneous masses that are firm, nontender, relatively immobile to palpation, and not attached to the overlying skin.1 Most of these tumors are located in the upper temporal quadrant close to the region of the lacrimal gland.²In most cases, subcutaneous dermoid tumors in childhood grow slowly and do not interfere with normal ocular function.² Therefore, they are usually removed for unacceptable cosmesis. The goal of surgery is to remove the mass in its entirety without rupturing the capsule. We report herein the use of a cryoprobe for traction in the removal of subcutaneous dermoid tumors.Records were reviewed of all children with the diagnosis of dermoid tumor from the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, from January 1983 through February 1985. Only cases of subcutaneous