Benign mixed tumour of the skin with extensive ossification and marrow formation: a case report

Benign mixed tumour of the skin (chondroid syringoma) is an uncommon skin adnexal tumour, usually presenting as a slow growing solitary painless nodule. The morphological appearances are similar to those of a pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland. Hair matrix and sebaceous differentiation can be seen in some lesions. Focal ossification is a rare finding. This report presents a case of a similar tumour arising in the cheek of a 43 year old white man, showing extensive ossification. Clinical, radiological, and pathological correlation and diagnosis proved to be difficult preoperatively. Only two cases of a benign mixed tumour with pronounced ossification have been reported so far, both in Japanese patients. This is the first reported case seen in a white man. Awareness of these lesions will avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls.