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Pilomatrixoma of the head and neck in children
Insights
Pilomatrixoma, a benign hair cell tumor, commonly affects the head and neck in children. Surgical excision is an effective treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pilomatrixoma, or calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign neoplasm originating from hair matrix cells.
- This tumor, while not exceedingly rare, often presents in the head and neck region (≥50%) and frequently affects children (40% <10 years).
- Differential diagnoses include cysts, calcified lymph nodes, hematomas, hemangiomas, and parotid tumors, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical experience with pilomatrixomas in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and surgical management of head and neck pilomatrixomas in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 15 pediatric cases.
- Surgical excision of pilomatrixomas located in the head and neck region.
Main Results:
- Fifteen children, aged 1.5 to 12 years, underwent excision for pilomatrixomas.
- All tumors were located in the head and neck area.
Conclusions:
- Pilomatrixoma is a treatable benign tumor in children.
- Surgical excision is a definitive treatment for pediatric head and neck pilomatrixomas.
Abstract:
Pilomatrixoma, also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign tumor of hair cell origin. It is an unusual, but not particularly rare, tumor. Fifty percent or more of pilomatrixomas occur in the head and neck, and 40% occur in patients under 10 years of age. Pilomatrixomas may be mistaken for cysts, calcified lymph nodes, calcified hematomas or hemangiomas, or parotid gland tumors. We describe our experience with 15 children, 1 1/2-12 years of age, in whom we have excised pilomatrixomas from the head and neck.