Unseen scars: a case report on clitoral epidermal inclusion cyst and its influence on female body perception

Clitoral cyst is an epidermal inclusion cyst that results from invagination of the epidermis into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. It commonly occurs following trauma from female genital mutilation (FGM), with presentation typically in childhood or the peripubertal period. Later, presentations often arise due to the asymptomatic nature of the condition and the associated stigma. Most previous reports have focused on cyst size, spontaneous aetiology, or its association with FGM. In this case report, we present an unusual case of a large clitoral cyst in a 38-year-old woman who had previously been denied treatment on three occasions at different healthcare facilities. She reported feeling like a ‘man’ all her life, reflecting a distressing negative body image. She subsequently had cyst excision and reported improved self-esteem.