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Head and neck pilomatrixoma in children
A Danielson-Cohen1, S J Lin, C A Hughes
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|December 26, 2001
Summary
Pilomatrixoma, a common pediatric skin tumor, often affects girls and is typically diagnosed late. Increased clinical awareness can improve early pilomatrixoma diagnosis and reduce recurrence after surgical excision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pilomatrixoma is a benign skin neoplasm originating from hair follicle matrix cells.
- Head and neck pilomatrixomas are common in children, presenting diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiology, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric head and neck pilomatrixomas.
- To identify factors influencing diagnosis and recurrence rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 51 pediatric patients with head and neck pilomatrixomas.
- Analysis of 55 tumors treated between January 1997 and March 1999.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The condition predominantly affected girls (71%) with an average age of 5.7 years.
- Cheek and periorbital areas were most common sites; 49% lacked correct preoperative diagnosis.
- Recurrence occurred in only 4% of cases after complete surgical excision.
Conclusions:
- Increased clinical awareness of pilomatrixoma can enhance preoperative diagnostic accuracy in children.
- Clinical findings are crucial for accurate diagnosis of this common benign skin tumor.
- Complete local excision is associated with a low rate of pilomatrixoma recurrence.