Giant pilomatrixoma arising in the preauricular region: a case report

Pilomatrixoma is a rare, benign, calcifying cutaneous tumor, originating from pluripotential precursors of hair matrix cells. It is most commonly seen in the head and neck region, occurring in the first two decades of life. It usually occurs as a single nodule with a diameter of 0.5-3 cm, localized dermally or subcutaneously. Clinical diagnosis may be difficult when it presents in a large, ulcerated form or in elderly patients. A 65-year-old female presented with a painful and progressive, cutaneous, firm-solid mass with a diameter of 6 x 4 cm in the left preauricular region. The mass was surgically excised under general anesthesia. Histopathological diagnosis of the mass was pilomatrixoma which showed basophilic cells, shadow cells, and calcifications. Postoperative result of the operation field was cosmetically and functionally acceptable.