Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Pilomatrixoma--accuracy of clinical diagnosis.

Kumaran N, Azmy A, Carachi R, Raine PA, Macfarlane JH, Howatson AG

Department of Paediatric Surgery, Yorkhill Royal Hospital for Sick Children, G3 8SJ Glasgow, UK.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Pilomatrixoma is a common tumor of skin appendages in children. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and factors contributing to misdiagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective case note review of patients who had pilomatrixoma excised during a 5-year period in a tertiary referral children's hospital in the UK. RESULTS: From 75 patients, 78 pilomatrixomata were excised. The diagnosis was achieved preoperatively in 46% of patients. Other diagnoses included sebaceous and dermoid cysts, foreign body reaction, calcification in lymph gland, and fat necrosis. CONCLUSION: Factors contributing to misdiagnosis include cystic lesions with varying consistency, punctum-like appearance, atypical location, and absence of clinically recognizable calcification. Despite close excision, the recurrence rate is low.

Published 2 October 2006 in J Pediatr Surg, 41(10): 1755-8.
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