Total scalp excision and auricular resurfacing for dermal cylindroma (turban tumor)

Dermal cylindroma is a benign neoplasm of the eccrine sweat glands, which presents in the head and neck area in 91% of cases. In its most florid presentation, the entire scalp can be involved, leading to the descriptive label turban tumor. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with dermal cylindroma extensively involving her forehead and scalp and whose family was affected in three consecutive generations. She underwent total scalp and forehead excision with coverage by split-thickness skin grafts from the thigh. Seven years later, because of progressive external ear involvement, auricular resurfacing was performed. Her scalp and forehead have remained tumor free in the eight-year follow-up period and the auricles at one year. Total excision has led to a cosmetic and functional improvement, and the possibility of malignant degeneration is theoretically decreased.