Work–life balance and caregiving responsibilities: a social justice analysis of women’s academic careers

Background: Reports of epidermoid cysts mimicking lipomas in the abdominal wall are exceedingly rare.Epidermoid cysts are common benign lesions, but giant variants in the anterior abdominal wall are rare and may clinically resemble lipomas. Giant epidermoid cysts in uncommon sites can pose diagnostic challenges, particularly when they mimic other benign soft tissue lesions. Case Presentation: We report a patient presenting with large, soft, mobile swellingover anterior abdominal wall swelling initially diagnosed as lipoma based on clinical and imaginative features.Surgical excision revealed a cystic lesion with keratinous debris. Histopathological examination revealed a Cystic wall lined by squamous epithelium containing keratin. Discussion: Giant epidermoid cysts in uncommon sites such as the abdominal wall are rarelydocumented. Clinical mimicry of lipomas poses a diagnostic pitfall, as both lesions present withslow growth and soft consistency.Imaging may be inconclusive, supporting the vitalrole of histopathology. Literature review reveals fewsimilarcases, emphasizing the rarity of thispresentation. Conclusion: This case highlights the uncommon occurrence of a giant epidermoidcyst over theanterior abdominal wallmimicking a lipoma. It emphasizes the importance of considering epidermoid cyst in the differential diagnosisof abdominal wall swellings and the necessity ofhistopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis and management.