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Hair shafts in epidermoid cysts
1Department of Dermatology, University of Turin, Italy.
Dermatologica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study reports 17 cases of epidermoid cysts containing vellus hairs. These cysts, often diagnosed simply as cysts, present as solitary or multiple lesions and require careful differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Histopathology
- Clinical Dermatology
Background:
- Epidermoid cysts are common skin lesions.
- Vellus hairs are fine, short, lightly pigmented hairs.
- The presence of vellus hairs within epidermoid cysts is a specific histological finding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and characterize 17 cases of epidermoid cysts containing vellus hairs.
- To discuss the clinical and microscopic findings of these unique cysts.
- To explore the differential diagnosis of epidermoid cysts with vellus hairs.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of 17 surgically excised skin lesions.
- Clinical assessment of lesion presentation (solitary vs. multiple).
- Comparison with known entities like eruptive vellus hair cysts.
Main Results:
- 17 cases of epidermoid cysts with vellus hair shafts in their lumen were identified.
- 12 lesions were solitary, while 5 presented as multiple, small, closely set lesions.
- Microscopic examination confirmed epidermoid cyst walls with lanugo-sized hair shafts within the lumen.
Conclusions:
- Epidermoid cysts containing vellus hairs represent a distinct clinicopathological entity.
- The solitary form may be the counterpart to eruptive vellus hair cysts.
- Accurate differential diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.