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Don't Judge a Tumor by Its Biopsy!
Mia Demant1, Iselin Saltvig1, Hannah Trøstrup1
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
Trichoblastomas (TBs) are rare benign tumors that can mimic basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment alongside biopsy to ensure proper management and prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Trichoblastomas (TBs) are rare benign hair germ tumors.
- They commonly occur on the head and neck and can be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
- TBs have a low but present potential for malignant transformation.
Observation:
- A case of a giant trichoblastoma on the forehead of a 75-year-old woman is presented.
- The lesion, present since age 20, developed a superficial wound.
- Initial biopsy suspected BCC, but final pathology confirmed TB.
Findings:
- Misdiagnosis of skin lesions, particularly those mimicking BCC, can lead to inadequate treatment.
- Single punch biopsies may not always be sufficient for definitive diagnosis.
- Clinical assessment is crucial in conjunction with histopathological analysis.
Implications:
- Accurate differentiation between TB and BCC is vital for appropriate patient management.
- Complete excision with negative margins is recommended for TBs due to malignant transformation potential.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation for skin lesions that mimic BCC.
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