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An ulcerated tumor in an infant
Sara Lotfi1, Fariba Ghalamkarpour, Hoda Rahimi
1Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Congenital cutaneous leiomyoma, a rare smooth muscle tumor, can present in infants as a solitary scalp nodule. Early clinical suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis of this benign dermal tumor.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous leiomyoma is a benign dermal tumor originating from smooth muscle cells.
- While typically developing in adolescence or early adulthood, congenital presentations are exceptionally rare.
- This case highlights an unusual occurrence in an infant.
Observation:
- A five-month-old boy presented with a growing mass on his occipital scalp.
- The lesion was a solitary, ulcerated nodule.
- Microscopic examination revealed a dermal, non-encapsulated proliferation of spindle-shaped cells.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma.
- The histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a benign smooth muscle neoplasm.
- This supports the diagnosis of congenital cutaneous leiomyoma.
Implications:
- The case underscores the importance of considering cutaneous leiomyoma in the differential diagnosis of infant scalp masses.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are essential for appropriate management of benign pediatric tumors.
- This finding contributes to the limited literature on congenital cutaneous leiomyoma, emphasizing its rare presentation in infancy.
Abstract:
Cutaneous leiomyoma is a benign dermal tumor of smooth muscle. Leiomyoma can occur at any age but typically develops during adolescence or early adult life. Congenital leiomyoma is an extremely rare reported variant. A five-month-old boy presented to our clinic with a progressively enlarging mass on his occipital scalp. Microscopic examination of the solitary ulcerated nodule showed a non-encapsulated mass in the dermis composed of spindle-shaped cells. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies, which were compatible with leiomyoma. Therefore, clinical suspicion of leiomyoma should be considered in the case of a solitary ulcerated nodule in an infant.
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