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Pilomatricoma: A Case Report
Sunanda Devi Putta1, Rashmi P Rajashekhar1, Tanmay Chaudhari1
1Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Pune, IND.
Abstract:
Pilomatricoma is one of the rare skin benign neoplasms arising from the matrix cells of hair follicles. We report the case of a 17-year-old female who had a swelling over the medial surface of the right ear lobule, which was determined to be an epidermal inclusion cyst by radiological and clinical examination. Over the period of eight days, it grew to 2 × 2 cm. A well-defined encapsulated lesion with thick cellular debris was found on an ultrasonography of the local region. Under local anesthesia, the patient had a cyst excision. Early detection by ultrasonography is beneficial in skin lesions to confirm if they are benign or malignant. Complete excision of the cyst is the treatment in order to limit the morbidity and lower the aggressive behavior. In this case, we came to a diagnosis after a histopathological examination, confirming it as a pilomatricoma. Due to its rarity, it is often misdiagnosed.
Insights
Pilomatricoma, a rare benign skin neoplasm, was misdiagnosed as an epidermal inclusion cyst in a 17-year-old female. Histopathology confirmed pilomatricoma, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis of rare skin tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pilomatricoma is a rare benign skin neoplasm originating from hair follicle matrix cells.
- Misdiagnosis is common due to its infrequent occurrence.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female presented with a rapidly growing ear lobule swelling.
- Initial clinical and radiological assessment suggested an epidermal inclusion cyst.
- Ultrasonography revealed a well-defined, encapsulated lesion with cellular debris.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the lesion as a pilomatricoma.
- The lesion measured 2 × 2 cm after eight days of growth.
Implications:
- Early ultrasonography aids in differentiating benign from malignant skin lesions.
- Complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment for pilomatricoma.
- Accurate histopathological diagnosis is crucial for managing rare skin neoplasms like pilomatricoma.

