VISIBLE MASSES OF THE CRANIAL VAULT AND ITS COVERINGS.

A clinico-pathologic recapitulation of experiences with a variety of masses which are visible and palpable and involve the cranium has led to the realization that examples of almost every major category of disease may be encountered. A review of the many varieties broadens our perspective of the diagnostic possibilities when confronted with a new case. The apparently innocent nature of scalp masses may be misleading, and this review can assist in alerting us to the need for stepwise investigation in tracking down the extent of involvement, especially intracranially. The use of limited office surgical procedures should be reserved for the simplest sebaceous cysts and other, readily identifiable, masses entirely limited to the scalp. The midline mass, in particular, deserves respect for its possible continuity with meninges or neural tissue. It should be remembered that the cranial mass may also be a manifestation of more widespread disease processes.