An unusual hamartoma of the folliculosebaceous-apocrine unit: a case report

J Cutan Pathol. 2006 May;33(5):365-8. doi: 10.1111/j.0303-6987.2006.00421.x.

Abstract

Hamartoma is a neoplasm-like lesion composed of an abnormal mixture of tissues native to the area. We report on an unusual example of a hamartomatous lesion that showed an abnormal mixture of elements of the folliculosebaceous-apocrine unit and arrector pili muscle. A 13-year-old female presented with two nodules situated 2 cm apart on the lower leg that were present since birth. The patient reported some enlargement and slight pain of the otherwise asymptomatic lesions during 2 years, before they were surgically removed. The patient obviously had no skin problems afterwards; her 12-year follow-up was significant for leucopenia and nephrolithiasis. The biopsies from both lesions looked identical. Each lesion was biphasic, i.e. composed of a predominant mesenchymal component and epithelial elements. The mesenchymal part resembled a leiomyoma, or in minor areas, the constituting cells had a myofibroblastic appearance. Encased within the mesenchymal component were large infundibulocystic structures and plentiful grouped and scattered roundish solid epithelial nodules, duct-like, glandular, and tubular elements. Some of the epithelial structures were reminiscent of those seen in tubular apocrine adenoma; others resembled syringomatous elements. We interpreted this unusual lesion as a hamartoma of the folliculosebaceous-apocrine unit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Apocrine Glands / metabolism
  • Apocrine Glands / pathology*
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / complications
  • Hair Diseases / metabolism
  • Hair Diseases / pathology
  • Hair Follicle / metabolism
  • Hair Follicle / pathology*
  • Hamartoma / complications
  • Hamartoma / metabolism
  • Hamartoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Kidney Calculi / complications
  • Leukopenia / complications
  • Sebaceous Gland Diseases / complications
  • Sebaceous Gland Diseases / metabolism
  • Sebaceous Gland Diseases / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / complications
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*