[Anetodermic cutaneous changes above Malherbe's tumors (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Malherbe's tumor, also known as pilomatricoma, is a benign calcifying epithelial tumor.
• Understanding associated skin changes can improve diagnostic accuracy.

Observation:

• Clinical and histological anetoderma-like skin changes were observed above pilomatricomas.
• These changes were noted in 5 out of 22 consecutive cases.

Findings:

• Histological examination of 46 pilomatricoma cases revealed a high incidence of dermal atrophy above the tumor.
• A decrease in elastic fibers within the reticular dermis was also frequently observed.
• Cellular infiltrates surrounding the tumor, present in half the cases, may contribute to these changes.

Implications:

• Anetoderma-like skin changes above pilomatricomas may serve as a valuable diagnostic indicator.
• These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the overlying skin in suspected pilomatricoma cases.
• Further research can elucidate the precise mechanisms linking cellular infiltrates to dermal changes.