[Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma--comment on two clinical cases]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Pilomatricoma, or Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma, is an uncommon benign cutaneous neoplasm.
• It typically manifests as a solitary, firm, subcutaneous nodule on the face, neck, or upper extremities.
• Pilomatricoma occurs in 1/800-1000 cutaneous tumors, predominantly affecting women in their first two decades of life.

Observation:

• Clinical diagnosis can be challenging, often confused with sebaceous cysts.
• Multiple pilomatricomas and associations with conditions like Steinert's myotonic dystrophy and Gardner syndrome are documented.
• This report details two cases of pilomatricoma in adult women, located in the temporal and masseter regions.

Findings:

• Surgical excision is the standard treatment for pilomatricoma.
• Incomplete excision can lead to local recurrence due to poorly defined lesion margins.
• Post-operative monitoring is crucial for early detection of recurrence.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis and complete surgical removal are vital for successful pilomatricoma management.
• Understanding potential recurrence underscores the importance of follow-up care.
• Further research into the etiology and optimal management of pilomatricoma may improve patient outcomes.