Pilomatrixoma of the breast, a rare lesion simulating breast cancer: a case report

J Radiol Case Rep. 2013 Oct 1;7(10):43-50. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v7i10.1651. eCollection 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Pilomatrixoma or calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe is a rare, benign, skin tumour originating from piliferous follicles; breast localization is considered to be very rare. These lesions can origin from the peri-areolar piliferous bulbs and, due to the clinical and imaging features, be easily misdiagnosed as a breast neoplasm. We present a case of pilomatrixoma of the left breast in a woman of 43 years appearing as a firm, deep nodule in the external quadrants. The lesion had mammographic and sonographic malignant features, but histological analysis on core-needle biopsy and surgical specimens revealed this unusual benign lesion.

Keywords: breast; breast calcified nodules; breast pilomatrixoma; core needle biopsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Pilomatrixoma / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*