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Published on: October 20, 2019
Pilomatrixoma--accuracy of clinical diagnosis
N Kumaran1, Amir Azmy, Robert Carachi
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Yorkhill Royal Hospital for Sick Children, G3 8SJ Glasgow, UK.
Background/Purpose:
Pilomatrixoma is a common tumor of skin appendages in children. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and factors contributing to misdiagnosis.
Methods:
A retrospective case note review of patients who had pilomatrixoma excised during a 5-year period in a tertiary referral children's hospital in the UK.
Results:
From 75 patients, 78 pilomatrixomata were excised. The diagnosis was achieved preoperatively in 46% of patients. Other diagnoses included sebaceous and dermoid cysts, foreign body reaction, calcification in lymph gland, and fat necrosis.
Conclusion:
Factors contributing to misdiagnosis include cystic lesions with varying consistency, punctum-like appearance, atypical location, and absence of clinically recognizable calcification. Despite close excision, the recurrence rate is low.
