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Published on: October 20, 2019
Clinicopathological study of pilomatricoma
A H Darwish1, E K Al-Jalahema, A K Dhiman
1Department of Pathology & Surgery, BDF Hospital, Bahrain.
Objective:
To study the clinical and histopathologic spectrum of pilomatricoma, the benign tumor of hair matrix.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 27 cases of pilomatricoma (Calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe) reported at Bahrain Defence Force Hospital from 1993-1999.
Results:
Most of the cases were confused clinically with sebaceous cysts. Seventy eight per cent of the cases occurred below the age of 30 years. Female to male ratio was 5:4. Head, neck and upper limb were the most common sites for pilomatricoma. The size of the tumors ranged from between 4-35 mm in diameter. Tumors were encapsulated and solid composed of shadow and basophilic cells, and stroma containing varying amounts of calcification, ossification and inflammatory cells.
Conclusion:
Pilomatricomas have a wide variety of clinical characteristics and are often misdiagnosed with other skin conditions. They should be considered along with other benign and malignant conditions in the clinical differential diagnosis of solitary firm skin nodules especially those, which occur in the head, neck and upper limb.
Insights
Pilomatricoma, a benign hair matrix tumor, often presents clinically like sebaceous cysts. This study details its diverse features, aiding in accurate diagnosis of solitary skin nodules.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pilomatricoma, also known as Calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign skin tumor originating from the hair matrix.
- Clinical presentation can be variable, leading to frequent misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the clinical and histopathologic spectrum of pilomatricoma.
- To improve diagnostic accuracy by understanding its varied presentations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 27 pilomatricoma cases.
- Data collected from Bahrain Defence Force Hospital between 1993 and 1999.
Main Results:
- Most cases were clinically misdiagnosed as sebaceous cysts.
- 78% of patients were under 30 years old; female to male ratio was 5:4.
- Common sites include head, neck, and upper limbs; tumors ranged from 4-35 mm, showing calcification and ossification.
Conclusions:
- Pilomatricomas exhibit diverse clinical characteristics, often leading to misdiagnosis.
- Consider pilomatricoma in the differential diagnosis of solitary firm skin nodules, particularly on the head, neck, and upper limbs.
