Trichilemmoma: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:58, 9 February 2025

A benign skin tumor originating from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle

Trichilemmoma is a benign skin tumor that arises from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. It is considered a type of adnexal tumor, which are tumors related to skin appendages. Trichilemmomas are often associated with Cowden syndrome, a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to multiple noncancerous, tumor-like growths.

Presentation

Trichilemmomas typically present as small, flesh-colored or slightly pigmented papules. They are most commonly found on the face, particularly around the nose and ears. These lesions are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during a routine skin examination.

Histopathology

Under the microscope, trichilemmomas exhibit characteristic features. They are composed of lobules of clear cells that resemble the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. The cells have a glycogen-rich cytoplasm, which gives them a clear appearance. The tumor is well-circumscribed and often shows a connection to the overlying epidermis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of trichilemmoma is primarily based on histological examination. A skin biopsy is performed, and the tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the characteristic clear cells and lobular architecture.

Treatment

Trichilemmomas are benign and do not require treatment unless they are causing cosmetic concerns or discomfort. In such cases, they can be removed surgically. It is important to monitor individuals with multiple trichilemmomas for signs of Cowden syndrome, as this condition requires further medical evaluation and management.

Cowden Syndrome

Trichilemmomas are one of the hallmark features of Cowden syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the PTEN gene. Individuals with Cowden syndrome have an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and endometrial cancer.

Related pages

References

Starink, T. M. (1985). "Trichilemmoma and Cowden's disease." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 13(3), 423-431.
Brownstein, M. H., & Shapiro, L. (1973). "Trichilemmoma: A clinicopathologic study." Cancer, 32(4), 915-921.

Gallery

Trichilemmoma on the skin
Histological image of trichilemmoma

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-'''Trichilemmoma''' is a benign [[tumor]] that originates from the outer root sheath of a [[hair follicle]]. It is most commonly found on the skin of the face, particularly around the eyelids and nose. The tumor is usually solitary and small, but multiple trichilemmomas can occur, especially in individuals with [[Cowden syndrome]].
+{{Short description|A benign skin tumor originating from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Signs and Symptoms ==
+'''Trichilemmoma''' is a benign [[skin tumor]] that arises from the outer root sheath of a [[hair follicle]]. It is considered a type of [[adnexal tumor]], which are tumors related to skin appendages. Trichilemmomas are often associated with [[Cowden syndrome]], a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to multiple noncancerous, tumor-like growths.
-Trichilemmomas are typically asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. They appear as small, firm, skin-colored or pink bumps on the skin. They are usually less than 1 cm in diameter, but can grow larger in some cases. The surface of the tumor may be smooth or slightly rough.
-== Causes ==
+==Presentation==
-The exact cause of trichilemmomas is unknown. However, they are associated with certain genetic conditions, such as Cowden syndrome. This is a rare disorder characterized by multiple noncancerous, tumor-like growths called hamartomas and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
+Trichilemmomas typically present as small, flesh-colored or slightly pigmented papules. They are most commonly found on the [[face]], particularly around the [[nose]] and [[ears]]. These lesions are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during a routine skin examination.
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Histopathology==
-The diagnosis of trichilemmoma is usually made by a [[dermatologist]] or a [[pathologist]] after a [[biopsy]] of the skin lesion. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to identify the characteristic features of a trichilemmoma.
+Under the microscope, trichilemmomas exhibit characteristic features. They are composed of lobules of clear cells that resemble the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. The cells have a glycogen-rich cytoplasm, which gives them a clear appearance. The tumor is well-circumscribed and often shows a connection to the overlying epidermis.
-== Treatment ==
+==Diagnosis==
-Treatment for a trichilemmoma is usually not necessary unless the tumor is causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns. If treatment is desired, the most common method is surgical removal of the tumor. Other treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen) and laser therapy.
+The diagnosis of trichilemmoma is primarily based on histological examination. A skin biopsy is performed, and the tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the characteristic clear cells and lobular architecture.
-== See Also ==
+==Treatment==
+Trichilemmomas are benign and do not require treatment unless they are causing cosmetic concerns or discomfort. In such cases, they can be removed surgically. It is important to monitor individuals with multiple trichilemmomas for signs of Cowden syndrome, as this condition requires further medical evaluation and management.
+==Cowden Syndrome==
+Trichilemmomas are one of the hallmark features of [[Cowden syndrome]], an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the [[PTEN]] gene. Individuals with Cowden syndrome have an increased risk of developing various types of [[cancer]], including [[breast cancer]], [[thyroid cancer]], and [[endometrial cancer]].
+==Related pages==
 * [[Cowden syndrome]]
-* [[Hair follicle]]
+* [[Adnexal tumor]]
-* [[Tumor]]
+* [[PTEN gene]]
+==References==
+* Starink, T. M. (1985). "Trichilemmoma and Cowden's disease." ''Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology'', 13(3), 423-431.
+* Brownstein, M. H., & Shapiro, L. (1973). "Trichilemmoma: A clinicopathologic study." ''Cancer'', 32(4), 915-921.
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:SkinTumors-P6190341.JPG|Trichilemmoma on the skin
+File:Trichilemmoma_-_Nci-vol-9808-72.jpg|Histological image of trichilemmoma
+</gallery>
-[[Category:Skin conditions]]
 [[Category:Benign neoplasms]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-{{stub}}