Joy Musembe N., 13

Joy is a 13-year-old Grade 6 pupil in a public day primary school, living in a rural setting. She is known to be respectful, disciplined, and hardworking in her studies, and she relates well with her peers. In her free time, she enjoys playing football, reflecting her active and social nature. She lives with her mother, who is the sole provider, earning a small income from selling vegetables and fruits. The income is often insufficient to meet basic needs such as food, school supplies, and healthcare, making life challenging for the family. Joy was brought to the facility with a swelling on the left side of her face, which had been present for some time but became painful after a minor injury while playing. Following the trauma, the swelling increased slightly in size and became tender. She had no fever or other systemic symptoms. On examination, she was stable with a firm, slightly mobile, well-defined facial mass and intact overlying skin. A diagnosis of a dermoid cyst was made, and she was prepared for surgical removal.

Joy was brought to our facility with complains swelling on the left side of her face, which had become acutely painful following minor trauma sustained while playing. Prior to the injury, the swelling had been present for some time but was not associated with significant discomfort. Following the impact, she developed localized pain, tenderness, and mild increase in the size of the mass. There were no associated symptoms such as fever, discharge, or systemic complaints. Local examination revealed a well-circumscribed, firm, and slightly mobile mass located in the left facial region. The overlying skin was intact, with no signs of ulceration or discharge, though there was mild tenderness on palpate. A clinical diagnosis of a dermoid cyst of the left facial region was made, likely exacerbated by recent trauma. The patient was prepared for surgical intervention, and excision of the cyst was successfully performed under a surgical block. The procedure was uneventful, and the cyst was removed in total. After postoperative she stabilized and discharged on good condition.

With timely treatment of severe malaria and surgical intervention for dermoid cyst and subsequent proper post-operative care, the prognosis is excellent. Joy is expected to recover fully, with minimal risk of recurrence if the cyst is completely excised. She should be able to return to her normal activities, including school and play, without long-term effects. She is also encouraged to sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito to avoid recurrence of malaria.