Infiltrative trichilemmal carcinoma treated with 5% imiquimod cream

Trichilemmal carcinoma (TLC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that occurs in the sun-exposed skin of the elderly. Although the clinical behavior of TLC appears to be relatively indolent, wide excision or Mohs micrographic surgery is the recommended treatment owing to its locally aggressive growth. Recently, imiquimod has become an important part of the armamentarium in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

This article serves to remind dermatologists that in addition to Mohs micrographic surgery and surgical excision, imiquimod 5% cream may have a role in the treatment of TLC.

In addition to a review of the literature, we present a case of TLC successfully treated with 5% imiquimod cream.

Its nonsurgical approach and excellent cosmetic result make imiquimod 5% cream another promising therapeutic option for TLC, even though it is histologically infiltrative.