Cyto-histopathological and Clinical Correlation of Pilomatricomas: A 4 Year Study

The aim of the following study is to characterize the cytological features of pilomatricomas (PMXs) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and correlate with the histopathological features.

FNA, histopathological and clinical diagnosis of 12 cases of PMXs were analyzed. Clinical, aspiration findings and histopathological features were correlated with histopathological diagnosis which was taken as the gold standard. A written consent was taken from patients or parents as appropriate. Morphological features of both aspiration as well as histopathological features were graded. The study was duly approved by the Hospital Scientific Review Committee.

Out of the 7600 cases studied retrospectively over a period of 4 years, only 12 cases were diagnosed as PMXs. These tumors were mainly located in the head and neck region and mostly affected young females (median age 9.5 years). The mean size of these lesions was 0.9 cm. Out of the 12 histopathologically proven cases of PMX, the correct clinical diagnosis was given in only one case while cytopathological diagnosis was achieved in four cases.

PMX is a rare tumor, which is mostly found in the pediatric age group. The clinical features should be keenly observed. Keeping in mind the diagnostic pitfalls a cytopathologist may encounter, histopathology should be regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis.