Pilomatrixoma--accuracy of clinical diagnosis

J Pediatr Surg. 2006 Oct;41(10):1755-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2006.05.005.

Abstract

Background/purpose: Pilomatrixoma is a common tumor of skin appendages in children. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and factors contributing to misdiagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective case note review of patients who had pilomatrixoma excised during a 5-year period in a tertiary referral children's hospital in the UK.

Results: From 75 patients, 78 pilomatrixomata were excised. The diagnosis was achieved preoperatively in 46% of patients. Other diagnoses included sebaceous and dermoid cysts, foreign body reaction, calcification in lymph gland, and fat necrosis.

Conclusion: Factors contributing to misdiagnosis include cystic lesions with varying consistency, punctum-like appearance, atypical location, and absence of clinically recognizable calcification. Despite close excision, the recurrence rate is low.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Facial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Hair Diseases / pathology
  • Hair Diseases / surgery
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pilomatrixoma / diagnosis*
  • Pilomatrixoma / pathology
  • Pilomatrixoma / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery