Characterizing pilomatricomas in children: a single institution experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• Cutaneous Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Pilomatricomas, also known as calcifying epitheliomas of Malherbe, are frequent superficial cutaneous soft tissue neoplasms in pediatric patients.
• Clinical diagnosis on physical examination is often sufficient, potentially avoiding unnecessary imaging procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the epidemiological and histopathological features of pilomatricomas.
• To identify risk factors for recurrence and pilomatrix carcinoma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of surgical pathology archives and medical records from 1982 to 2010.
• Data collected included patient demographics, tumor location, size, and histopathological findings.

Main Results:

• 916 pilomatricomas were analyzed in 802 pediatric patients.
• The majority occurred in the head and neck (58%) and were more common in girls (55%) and children under 10 years old (66%).
• Recurrence was observed in 3% of cases, with pilomatrix carcinoma being notably absent.

Conclusions:

• Pilomatricomas are common pediatric skin lesions, predominantly affecting the head and neck.
• While multiple lesions occur in approximately 5% of cases, complete surgical excision is effective in preventing recurrence.
• Pilomatrix carcinoma is a very rare outcome following complete excision.