Trichilemmal carcinoma: Difference between revisions

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'''Trichilemmal carcinoma''' is a rare type of [[skin cancer]] that originates from the outer root sheath of the [[hair follicle]]. It is also known as '''trichilemmal carcinoma of the skin''' or '''trichilemmal skin carcinoma'''.  
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Overview ==
| name            = Trichilemmal carcinoma
 
| image          = [[File:SkinTumors-P7080439.JPG|left|thumb|Trichilemmal carcinoma]]
Trichilemmal carcinoma is a malignant variant of the benign [[trichilemmoma]]. It is a rare, slow-growing, and locally aggressive tumor that typically occurs on sun-exposed skin, particularly on the head and neck. The tumor is more common in elderly individuals and has a slight female predominance.  
| caption        = Trichilemmal carcinoma on the skin
 
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
== Symptoms ==
| synonyms        = Tricholemmal carcinoma
 
| symptoms        = [[Skin lesion]], [[nodule]], [[ulcer]]
The most common symptom of trichilemmal carcinoma is a solitary, firm, and well-demarcated nodule or plaque. The lesion is often ulcerated and may bleed. Pain is not a common symptom unless the tumor is traumatized.  
| complications  = [[Metastasis]]
 
| onset          = Typically in [[elderly]] individuals
| duration        = Chronic
| causes          = [[Genetic mutations]], [[UV radiation]]
| risks          = [[Sun exposure]], [[immunosuppression]]
| diagnosis      = [[Biopsy]], [[histopathology]]
| differential    = [[Basal cell carcinoma]], [[squamous cell carcinoma]]
| treatment      = [[Surgical excision]], [[Mohs surgery]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Trichilemmal carcinoma}}
'''Trichilemmal carcinoma''' is a rare [[skin cancer]] that originates from the outer root sheath of the [[hair follicle]]. It is considered a low-grade malignant tumor, meaning it has a low potential for metastasis but can be locally aggressive. This type of carcinoma is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly the [[scalp]] and [[face]].
== Pathophysiology ==
Trichilemmal carcinoma arises from the [[trichilemmal cyst]], which is a benign cystic lesion derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. The transformation from a benign trichilemmal cyst to a malignant carcinoma involves genetic mutations and environmental factors, such as [[ultraviolet radiation]] from sun exposure.
== Clinical Presentation ==
Patients with trichilemmal carcinoma typically present with a solitary, nodular lesion that may be ulcerated or crusted. The lesion is often painless but can become tender if it becomes infected or ulcerated. The most common sites for these tumors are the scalp, face, and neck, areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
 
The diagnosis of trichilemmal carcinoma is confirmed through a [[biopsy]] of the lesion. Histopathological examination reveals atypical keratinocytes with trichilemmal differentiation, characterized by clear cell changes and abrupt keratinization without a granular layer. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in differentiating trichilemmal carcinoma from other skin neoplasms.
The diagnosis of trichilemmal carcinoma is based on histopathological examination. The tumor cells show clear cytoplasm and distinct cell borders, similar to the cells of the outer root sheath of the hair follicle from which the tumor originates. Immunohistochemical staining can be used to confirm the diagnosis.  
 
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
 
The primary treatment for trichilemmal carcinoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Mohs micrographic surgery is often employed to ensure complete removal while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. In cases where surgery is not feasible, [[radiation therapy]] may be considered. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence.
The primary treatment for trichilemmal carcinoma is surgical excision with clear margins. In some cases, [[Mohs surgery]] may be used to ensure complete removal of the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Radiation therapy may be used in cases where surgery is not possible or if the tumor recurs.  
 
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
 
The prognosis for patients with trichilemmal carcinoma is generally favorable, given its low metastatic potential. However, local recurrence can occur, particularly if the tumor is not completely excised. Long-term follow-up is recommended to detect any recurrence early.
The prognosis for trichilemmal carcinoma is generally good, as the tumor is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes. However, the tumor can be locally aggressive and may recur if not completely removed.  
 
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Trichilemmoma]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
* [[Mohs surgery]]
* [[Basal cell carcinoma]]
 
* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
[[Category:Skin cancers]]
* [[Melanoma]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
* [[Trichilemmal cyst]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
{{Skin-cancer-stub}}
[[Category:Oncology]]
{{Rare-disease-stub}}
[[Category:Rare cancers]]

Latest revision as of 19:37, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Trichilemmal carcinoma
Trichilemmal carcinoma
Synonyms Tricholemmal carcinoma
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Skin lesion, nodule, ulcer
Complications Metastasis
Onset Typically in elderly individuals
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutations, UV radiation
Risks Sun exposure, immunosuppression
Diagnosis Biopsy, histopathology
Differential diagnosis Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision, Mohs surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare skin cancer that originates from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. It is considered a low-grade malignant tumor, meaning it has a low potential for metastasis but can be locally aggressive. This type of carcinoma is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly the scalp and face.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Trichilemmal carcinoma arises from the trichilemmal cyst, which is a benign cystic lesion derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. The transformation from a benign trichilemmal cyst to a malignant carcinoma involves genetic mutations and environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with trichilemmal carcinoma typically present with a solitary, nodular lesion that may be ulcerated or crusted. The lesion is often painless but can become tender if it becomes infected or ulcerated. The most common sites for these tumors are the scalp, face, and neck, areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of trichilemmal carcinoma is confirmed through a biopsy of the lesion. Histopathological examination reveals atypical keratinocytes with trichilemmal differentiation, characterized by clear cell changes and abrupt keratinization without a granular layer. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in differentiating trichilemmal carcinoma from other skin neoplasms.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for trichilemmal carcinoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Mohs micrographic surgery is often employed to ensure complete removal while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. In cases where surgery is not feasible, radiation therapy may be considered. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for patients with trichilemmal carcinoma is generally favorable, given its low metastatic potential. However, local recurrence can occur, particularly if the tumor is not completely excised. Long-term follow-up is recommended to detect any recurrence early.

See also[edit]