skin pilomatrix carcinoma

Pilomatrix Carcinoma: A Rare Skin Tumor

Pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that arises from the hair follicle matrix cells. It is considered a malignant variant of pilomatricoma, a benign skin tumor.

Characteristics

• Presentation: Pilomatrix carcinoma typically presents as a single, firm, painless, and movable dermal or subcutaneous lump [13][11].
• Location: The head, neck, and back are common locations for pilomatrix carcinoma to occur [3][5][9].
• Size: The tumor can vary in size, but it is often described as a firm, painless nodule [6][8].
• Ulceration: In some cases, the underlying skin may become ulcerated and exhibit severe discoloration, which is considered one of the few significant indicators of cancer [13].

Behavior

• Locally aggressive: Pilomatrix carcinoma has a tendency to recur, especially when it is incompletely excised [3].
• Distant metastases: In rare cases, pilomatrix carcinoma can spread to distant sites, with pulmonary lesions being the most frequent manifestation [11].

Diagnosis and Treatment

Pilomatrix carcinoma is typically diagnosed through histopathological examination of a biopsy sample. The tumor is composed of aggregates of atypical basaloid cells with numerous mitoses, shadow cells, keratin cysts, and trichohyalin and keratohyalin granules [12].

Treatment for pilomatrix carcinoma usually involves surgical excision with wide margins to prevent recurrence. In some cases, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.

References

[1] Ahmed A (2024) - Pilomatrix carcinoma: an extremely rare, locally aggressive, malignant skin tumor arising from aberrant proliferation of the hair follicles matrix. [2] Sau P (1993) - Pilomatrix carcinomas are locally aggressive tumors that have a tendency to recur, especially when they are incompletely excised. [3] Jones C (2018) - Similar to pilomatricoma, pilomatrix carcinoma typically presents as a nontender, firm dermal swelling and is found most commonly in the head... [4] Malignant pilomatricoma usually manifests as a single firm, painless, movable, asymptomatic dermal or subcutaneous lump. [5] Pilomatrix carcinoma (PC) is a rare skin tumor arising from hair follicle matrix cells and it is most frequently located on the head... upper or lower extremities, genitalia), clinical presentation, size (cm), dermoscopic description, metastasis and time of onset, follow-up and its duration, therapy with margins of surgical excision (cm). [6] A rare skin tumor characterized by an asymptomatic, solitary, often ulcerated nodule most commonly located in the face, involving the deep dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and skeletal muscle and fascia. [7] Histopathologically, the lesion is composed of aggregates of atypical basaloid cells with numerous mitoses. Typical features include shadow cells, keratin cysts, and trichohyalin and keratohyalin... [8] Malignant pilomatricoma usually manifests as a single firm, painless, movable, asymptomatic dermal or subcutaneous lump. [9] Pilomatrix carcinoma (PC) is a rare skin tumor arising from hair follicle matrix cells and it is most frequently located on the head... upper or lower extremities, genitalia), clinical presentation, size (cm), dermoscopic description, metastasis and time of onset, follow-up and its duration, therapy with margins of surgical excision (cm). [10] Background: Pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare cutaneous tumor derived from follicular matrix cells with few cases documented in the literature. [11] Pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive tumor with a tendency to recur. 6-8 Distant metastases have been reported, with pulmonary lesions being the most frequent manifestation. 7-10 Similar to pilomatricoma, pilomatrix carcinoma typically presents as a nontender, firm dermal swelling 3-6, 8, 11 and is found most commonly in the head... [12] A rare skin tumor characterized by an asymptomatic, solitary, often ulcerated nodule most commonly located in the face, involving the deep dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and skeletal muscle and fascia. Histopathologically, the lesion is composed of aggregates of atypical basaloid cells with numerous mitoses. Typical features include shadow cells, keratin cysts, and trichohyalin and keratohyalin... [13] Malignant pilomatricoma usually manifests as a single firm, painless, movable, asymptomatic dermal or subcutaneous lump. It has been shown that the underlying skin can become ulcerated and exhibit severe discoloration; the latter is thought to be one of the few significant indicators of cancer. [14] Pilomatrix carcinoma (PC) is a rare skin tumor arising from hair follicle matrix cells and it is most frequently located on the head... upper or lower extremities, genitalia), clinical presentation, size (cm), dermoscopic description, metastasis and time of onset, follow-up and its duration, therapy with margins of surgical excision (cm)

Diagnostic Tests for Skin Pilomatrix Carcinoma

Skin pilomatrix carcinoma, a rare and locally aggressive tumor, can be challenging to diagnose. While there is no specific test for this condition, various diagnostic tests can aid in its identification.

• Histopathology: The diagnosis of pilomatricoma is usually suspected after clinical examination and confirmed with histopathology [7]. A skin biopsy specimen is examined under a microscope to identify the characteristic features of pilomatrix carcinoma, such as frequent and abnormal mitosis [11].
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies like radiography, CT, ultrasound, and MRI may be used to aid in diagnosis, although they are not used routinely [6]. Ultrasound may be employed as a noninvasive method for evaluating the tumor's size and location.
• Genetic Tests: Genetic tests can help identify genetic mutations associated with pilomatrix carcinoma. However, these tests are not specific to this condition and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings.

Key Points

• Histopathology is the primary diagnostic tool for pilomatricoma and pilomatrix carcinoma.
• Imaging studies may aid in diagnosis but are not used routinely.
• Genetic tests can help identify genetic mutations associated with pilomatrix carcinoma.

References

[1] Pilomatrix carcinoma (PC) is a rare skin tumor arising from hair follicle matrix cells... [12] [6] Use of radiography, CT, ultrasound, and MRI to aid with diagnosis has been reported... [6] [7] Diagnosis of pilomatricoma is usually suspected after clinical examination and confirmed with histopathology. [7] [11] The diagnosis of pilomatrix carcinoma is based on histological examination of a skin biopsy specimen... [11]

Note: The above information is based on the provided context, which includes search results containing brief descriptions of relevant content.

Differential Diagnosis of Pilomatricoma

Pilomatricoma, also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign skin tumor that can be challenging to diagnose due to its varied clinical presentation and similarity with other skin lesions. The differential diagnosis for pilomatricoma includes:

• Epidermoid or dermoid cyst: These are firm, round, or oval-shaped cysts that can be mistaken for pilomatricoma.
• Calcified lymph node: A calcified lymph node can mimic the appearance of a pilomatricoma on imaging studies.
• Ossifying hematoma: This is a rare condition where blood accumulates in the skin and forms a calcified mass, which can be confused with a pilomatricoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma: Although pilomatricoma is benign, basal cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that can present similarly. However, basal cell carcinoma tends to occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Another type of skin cancer that can be considered in the differential diagnosis of pilomatricoma.
• Follicular hybrid cysts: These are rare, benign tumors that can be mistaken for pilomatricoma due to their similar histological appearance.
• Pilomatrixal carcinoma: A rare and aggressive variant of pilomatricoma that requires prompt attention.

Key Features to Consider

When considering the differential diagnosis of pilomatricoma, it is essential to note the following key features:

• Location: Pilomatricomas typically occur on the face, neck, or scalp.
• Size: They are usually small, ranging from 1-5 cm in diameter.
• Consistency: The lesion is often firm and mobile.
• Imaging findings: On imaging studies, pilomatricoma may appear as a well-demarcated, calcified mass with a characteristic "doughnut" or "tail" sign.

References

[2] Pilomatricomas are benign appendageal tumors with differentiation toward hair cells. [4] The differential diagnosis for pilomatricoma is varied and includes epidermoid or dermoid cysts, calcified lymph nodes, ossifying hematoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, follicular hybrid cysts, and pilomatrixal carcinoma. [12] Pilomatricomas are benign tumors of the hair follicle matrix that can be mistaken for other skin lesions due to their varied clinical presentation.

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context.