Pilomatrixoma: A Clinico - Pathological Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pilomatrixoma (calcifying epithelioma ofMalherbe) is a benign skin tumor with differentiation towardshair follicles. Pilomatrixoma may be mistaken for many otherconditions like epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, calcified lymphnode or a hemiangioma. The aim of this study was to describethe clinical and histopathological characteristics of patientspresenting with pilomatrixoma.Material and Methods: The present study was conductedin the Post Graduate department of pathology, govt. medicalcollege Srinagar. 51 cases of pilomatrixoma were included inthe study. The final diagnosis was arrived by histopathologicalexamination of the specimens. The clinical features andphysical examination including age, sex, site of lesion andsize were noted and analyzed.Results: 51 cases of pilomatrixoma, comprising about 37%cases of all skin adnexal tumors were considered. The mostcommon age group involved was 11-20 years comprising of33.34% of all cases. 23 (45.10%) were males and 28 (54.90%)were females. There was a slight female predominance. Themost common anatomical location for the tumor was foundto be head and neck followed by trunk, upper limbs and lowerlimbs. The histopathological findings observed were a benignwell demarcated lesion surrounded by a capsule in almost allof the cases. The lesions were found to be composed of islandsof epithelial cells embedded in a stroma. Two types of cellswere identified in these epithelial islands basaloid cells andshadow cells.Conclusions: Pilomatrixoma should be considered in thedifferential diagnosis of nodules, especially those on the headand neck. Careful clinical examination and familiarity withthe condition may lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriatetreatment.