Malignant pilomatricoma: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:34, 16 February 2025

Malignant Pilomatricoma

Malignant pilomatricoma, also known as pilomatrix carcinoma, is a rare type of skin tumor that originates from the hair matrix cells. It is considered the malignant counterpart of the more common benign pilomatricoma.

Pathophysiology

Malignant pilomatricoma arises from the hair follicle matrix cells, which are responsible for the formation of hair shafts. These tumors are characterized by atypical cell proliferation and can invade surrounding tissues. Unlike benign pilomatricomas, malignant pilomatricomas have the potential to metastasize, although this is uncommon.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with malignant pilomatricoma typically present with a firm, nodular mass on the skin. These tumors are most commonly found on the head, neck, and upper extremities. The overlying skin may appear normal or may show signs of ulceration.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of malignant pilomatricoma is primarily based on histological examination. A biopsy of the lesion reveals atypical basaloid cells, areas of necrosis, and infiltrative growth patterns. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in differentiating malignant pilomatricoma from other skin tumors.

Treatment

The primary treatment for malignant pilomatricoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Due to the potential for local recurrence and metastasis, wide local excision is often recommended. In some cases, adjuvant radiation therapy may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with malignant pilomatricoma depends on the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and complete surgical excision are associated with a favorable outcome. However, the risk of recurrence and metastasis necessitates long-term follow-up.

Related Pages

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-'''Malignant pilomatricoma''' is a rare type of [[skin cancer]] that originates from the [[hair follicle]]. It is also known as '''pilomatrix carcinoma''' and is a malignant form of [[pilomatricoma]], a benign skin tumor.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Malignant Pilomatricoma}}
-== Symptoms ==
+== Malignant Pilomatricoma ==
-The symptoms of malignant pilomatricoma can vary, but often include a rapidly growing, painful skin [[nodule]] that may ulcerate. The tumor is usually solitary and can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the head and neck.
-== Causes ==
+[[File:SkinTumors-P8080557.JPG|thumb|right|Histological image of a malignant pilomatricoma]]
-The exact cause of malignant pilomatricoma is unknown, but it is thought to arise from the transformation of a benign pilomatricoma into a malignant tumor. This transformation may be triggered by [[genetic mutations]], [[radiation therapy]], or other unknown factors.
+Malignant pilomatricoma, also known as pilomatrix carcinoma, is a rare type of skin tumor that originates from the hair matrix cells. It is considered the malignant counterpart of the more common benign [[pilomatricoma]].
+== Pathophysiology ==
+Malignant pilomatricoma arises from the hair follicle matrix cells, which are responsible for the formation of hair shafts. These tumors are characterized by atypical cell proliferation and can invade surrounding tissues. Unlike benign pilomatricomas, malignant pilomatricomas have the potential to metastasize, although this is uncommon.
+== Clinical Presentation ==
+Patients with malignant pilomatricoma typically present with a firm, nodular mass on the skin. These tumors are most commonly found on the head, neck, and upper extremities. The overlying skin may appear normal or may show signs of ulceration.
 == Diagnosis ==
-Diagnosis of malignant pilomatricoma is typically made through a [[biopsy]] of the tumor. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope by a [[pathologist]], who looks for characteristic features of the tumor. These features include abnormal growth of the hair follicle cells and the presence of [[calcification]] within the tumor.
+The diagnosis of malignant pilomatricoma is primarily based on histological examination. A biopsy of the lesion reveals atypical basaloid cells, areas of necrosis, and infiltrative growth patterns. Immunohistochemical staining can aid in differentiating malignant pilomatricoma from other skin tumors.
 == Treatment ==
-Treatment for malignant pilomatricoma usually involves surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, [[radiation therapy]] or [[chemotherapy]] may also be used, particularly if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
+The primary treatment for malignant pilomatricoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Due to the potential for local recurrence and metastasis, wide local excision is often recommended. In some cases, adjuvant radiation therapy may be considered.
 == Prognosis ==
-The prognosis for individuals with malignant pilomatricoma can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the individual's overall health. However, with early detection and treatment, the prognosis can be quite good.
-== See also ==
+The prognosis for patients with malignant pilomatricoma depends on the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and complete surgical excision are associated with a favorable outcome. However, the risk of recurrence and metastasis necessitates long-term follow-up.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Pilomatricoma]]
-* [[Skin cancer]]
+* [[Skin neoplasm]]
-* [[Hair follicle]]
+* [[Basal cell carcinoma]]
-* [[Biopsy]]
+* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
-* [[Pathologist]]
-* [[Radiation therapy]]
-* [[Chemotherapy]]
-[[Category:Skin cancers]]
+[[Category:Dermatology]]
+[[Category:Oncology]]
 [[Category:Rare diseases]]
-[[Category:Hair diseases]]
-{{stub}}