Pilar sheath acanthoma: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:29, 16 February 2025

A rare benign skin tumor

Pilar Sheath Acanthoma

A pilar sheath acanthoma is a rare, benign skin tumor that typically presents as a small, solitary, flesh-colored nodule. It is most commonly found on the face, particularly around the upper lip and nose. This tumor is considered a type of follicular tumor, originating from the hair follicle sheath.

Clinical Presentation

Pilar sheath acanthomas are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during a routine skin examination. They appear as small, dome-shaped papules or nodules, typically measuring less than 1 cm in diameter. The surface of the lesion is smooth, and the color can range from flesh-toned to slightly erythematous.

Histopathology

Histological section of a pilar sheath acanthoma

Histologically, pilar sheath acanthomas are characterized by a well-circumscribed proliferation of basaloid cells. These cells form a cystic structure with a central keratin-filled cavity. The tumor is composed of lobules of squamous epithelium with peripheral palisading of the basal cell layer. The central cavity is lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium, resembling the outer root sheath of a hair follicle.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for pilar sheath acanthoma includes other benign follicular tumors such as trichofolliculoma, trichoepithelioma, and sebaceous hyperplasia. It is important to distinguish pilar sheath acanthoma from malignant lesions such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment

Treatment is generally not necessary for pilar sheath acanthoma due to its benign nature. However, if the lesion is cosmetically concerning or if there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, surgical excision may be performed. Complete excision is usually curative, and recurrence is rare.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with pilar sheath acanthoma is excellent. These tumors do not have malignant potential and do not metastasize. Once excised, they typically do not recur.

Related pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pilar Sheath Acanthoma''' is a rare, benign [[cutaneous condition]] characterized by a solitary, firm, skin-colored papule that typically occurs on the face of elderly individuals. It was first described by Kint et al. in 1978.
+{{Short description|A rare benign skin tumor}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Clinical Presentation ==
+==Pilar Sheath Acanthoma==
+[[File:SkinTumors-P8190634.JPG|thumb|right|Pilar sheath acanthoma on the skin]]
+A '''pilar sheath acanthoma''' is a rare, benign [[skin tumor]] that typically presents as a small, solitary, flesh-colored nodule. It is most commonly found on the face, particularly around the upper lip and nose. This tumor is considered a type of [[follicular tumor]], originating from the [[hair follicle]] sheath.
-Pilar Sheath Acanthoma presents as a solitary, firm, skin-colored papule, usually less than 6 mm in diameter. It is most commonly found on the upper lip, but can also occur on the lower lip, nose, and other parts of the face. The lesion is typically asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause mild discomfort or cosmetic concern.
+==Clinical Presentation==
+Pilar sheath acanthomas are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during a routine skin examination. They appear as small, dome-shaped papules or nodules, typically measuring less than 1 cm in diameter. The surface of the lesion is smooth, and the color can range from flesh-toned to slightly erythematous.
-== Pathogenesis ==
+==Histopathology==
+[[File:SkinTumors-P8190634.JPG|thumb|left|Histological section of a pilar sheath acanthoma]]
+Histologically, pilar sheath acanthomas are characterized by a well-circumscribed proliferation of basaloid cells. These cells form a cystic structure with a central keratin-filled cavity. The tumor is composed of lobules of squamous epithelium with peripheral palisading of the basal cell layer. The central cavity is lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium, resembling the outer root sheath of a hair follicle.
-The exact pathogenesis of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is unknown. It is believed to originate from the [[outer root sheath]] of the [[hair follicle]], specifically the isthmus region. Some researchers suggest that it may be a hamartomatous process, while others propose that it could be a reactive or neoplastic process.
+==Differential Diagnosis==
+The differential diagnosis for pilar sheath acanthoma includes other benign follicular tumors such as [[trichofolliculoma]], [[trichoepithelioma]], and [[sebaceous hyperplasia]]. It is important to distinguish pilar sheath acanthoma from malignant lesions such as [[basal cell carcinoma]] and [[squamous cell carcinoma]].
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Treatment==
+Treatment is generally not necessary for pilar sheath acanthoma due to its benign nature. However, if the lesion is cosmetically concerning or if there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, surgical excision may be performed. Complete excision is usually curative, and recurrence is rare.
-The diagnosis of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is primarily based on clinical examination and histopathological findings. The characteristic histological feature is a central invagination filled with keratinous material, surrounded by acanthotic epithelium that resembles the outer root sheath of the hair follicle.
+==Prognosis==
+The prognosis for individuals with pilar sheath acanthoma is excellent. These tumors do not have malignant potential and do not metastasize. Once excised, they typically do not recur.
-== Treatment ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Trichofolliculoma]]
+* [[Trichoepithelioma]]
+* [[Basal cell carcinoma]]
+* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
-Treatment is not necessary unless the lesion causes discomfort or cosmetic concern. If treatment is desired, the most common method is surgical excision. Other treatment options include cryotherapy and laser ablation.
+[[Category:Skin neoplasms]]
+[[Category:Benign neoplasms]]
-== Prognosis ==
-The prognosis for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is excellent. It is a benign condition and does not have any malignant potential. However, recurrence can occur if the lesion is not completely excised.
-== See Also ==
-* [[List of cutaneous conditions]]
-* [[Hair follicle]]
-* [[Acanthoma]]
-== References ==
-* Kint A, Baran R, De Keyser H. Pilar sheath acanthoma. Dermatologica. 1978;157(4):238-244.
-* Weedon D. Skin Pathology. 2nd ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2002.
-[[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Skin conditions]]
-[[Category:Rare diseases]]
-{{Dermatology-stub}}
-{{Medicine-stub}}