Recurrent nodule on the nasal columella: a good reason to re-biopsy

Int J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;47(7):728-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03536.x.

Abstract

Background: A 15-year-old Caucasian male presented with 9-month history of a recurrent nodule on the nasal columella. The previous biopsy was reported as a neurofibroma.

Methods: Frozen sections revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. Permanent section immunohistochemistry sections stained positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin and negative for S100 and CD34, confirming the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.

Results: The tumor was removed using Mohs micrographic surgery. Radiological work-up revealed no distant metastasis. There has been no local recurrence to date.

Conclusions: Leiomyosarcoma is a difficult diagnosis to make clinically and requires histological confirmation. Re-biopsy of a "benign" growth may be necessary if clinicopathological correlation does not match with the clinical behavior of the tumor in question. Finally, Mohs micrographic surgery is a useful treatment modality for leiomyosarcomas, particularly those located in cosmetically-sensitive regions of the body such as the nose.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Frozen Sections
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Leiomyosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Leiomyosarcoma / pathology*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / surgery
  • Male
  • Mohs Surgery / methods
  • Nasal Septum / pathology
  • Nasal Septum / surgery
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Neurofibroma / diagnosis
  • Neurofibroma / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome