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Acquired trichostasis in postoperative site: a case report.
Deba P Sarma1, Benjamin A Maertins, Eric E Santos
1Department of Pathology, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA.
Cases Journal
|January 12, 2010
Summary
A papule after skin tumor surgery can be caused by trapped hair (acquired trichostasis). This rare condition should be considered in post-operative differential diagnoses for skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Post-operative papules/nodules typically result from tumor recurrence, scarring, or suture granulomas.
- Acquired trichostasis (inverted or trapped hair) is an underrecognized cause of such lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of acquired trichostasis presenting as a post-operative papule after epidermal cyst excision.
- To highlight acquired trichostasis as a differential diagnosis for post-operative skin lesions.
Main Methods:
- A 31-year-old woman underwent excision of an epidermal cyst.
- A subsequent inflamed papule at the surgical site led to re-excision.
- Histopathological examination identified acquired trichostasis as the cause.
Main Results:
- Microscopic analysis confirmed acquired trichostasis, not recurrent epidermal cyst, as the cause of the papular lesion.
- This represents a novel finding in post-operative wound healing complications.
Conclusions:
- Acquired trichostasis is a rare but possible cause of papular or nodular lesions at post-operative sites.
- Clinicians should consider acquired trichostasis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained post-operative skin findings.