Pilomatrixoma with Atypical Features: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction

Pilomatrixoma, also referred to as pilomatricoma or calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is an uncommon benign tumor with differentiation towards both the hair matrix and cells arising in the cortex [1]. Pilomatrixoma is classified within the family of skin adnexal tumors [1]. These tumors most frequently appear in the first or second decade of life. Pilomatrixoma occurs as a solitary lesion; however, multiple lesions and familial patterns have been reported. Hereditary types have been associated with myotonic dystrophy [2]. The lesions are typically painless, slow-growing, deep-seated hard subcutaneous nodules arising most commonly within the face and upper extremities [3]. In rare instances, pilomatrixomas can show malignant transformation. Pilomatrix carcinoma is extremely uncommon and has traditionally been considered as having a low malignant potentially; however, a high local recurrence rate has been reported [4]. In this report, we present a case of pilomatrixoma in an adult patient showing mild atypical features which do not fulfill the criteria for definitive carcinoma but raise the possibility of progression to malignancy.

Case Report

A 57-year-old man presented with a long history of a persistent, firm raised nodule in the right lumbar area with increasing size. Clinical impression was a sebaceous cyst. The patient was otherwise well, with no constitutional symptoms and no significant past medical history.

The specimen was composed of a nodule measuring 1.7 × 0.9 × 0.9 cm embedded in subcutaneous tissue with an overlying ellipse of unremarkable skin. Multiple sections of the excisional biopsy demonstrated nearly circumscribed growth of the basaloid lesion in dermis and subcutaneous fat tissue with a surrounding pseudocapsule (Fig. ​(Fig.1a).1a). There was zonation between basaloid cells at the periphery with numerous “shadow” cells in a fibrocollagenous matrix with an inflammatory background (Fig. ​(Fig.1a).1a). Numerous foci of keratin were evident, with an associated multinucleated giant cell reaction. The tumor exhibited focal atypical features, including very focal infiltrative pattern at the periphery (Fig. ​(Fig.1b).1b). Irregular foci of central necrosis (comedonecrosis) were present in several lobules (Fig. 1c–d). Also, the tumor was composed predominantly of basaloid cells with a variable degree of atypia (Fig. ​(Fig.1d)1d) and an increased mitotic rate, up to five mitotic events/high-power field (Fig. ​(Fig.1e).1e). No definite vascular or lymphatic invasion was identified. The tumor was close to the surgical margins but appeared to have been completely excised. These features are consistent with noncalcified pilomatrixoma with atypical features.

 

Please note that this image might contain sensitive content. Click to unblur.

Open in a separate window

Fig. 1

Histological features of pilomatrixoma with atypical features. a Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of paraffin-fixed tissue biopsy specimen viewed at 2× magnification. The tissue section demonstrates a nearly well-circumscribed dermal/subcutaneous nodule of basaloid cells and shadow cells. b H&E higher (10×) magnification of the tissue specimen showing focal infiltrating into subcutaneous fat at the periphery. c H&E, 20× magnification highlights comedonecrosis. d H&E, 20× magnification highlights cytological atypia and comedonecrosis. e H&E, 40× magnification highlights increase in mitotic activity in the lesion.

Discussion

We report a challenging case of a pilomatrixoma, with atypical features but not diagnostic of definite carcinoma. The atypical features identified include minimal infiltrating margin, focal cytological atypia of the basaloid cells with an increase in mitotic activity, and rare areas of necrosis. Also, in our case, the cellular portion is more predominant than shadow cells, which is an unusual feature for long-standing lesions [5]. The histological stages of pilomatrixoma are (1) early small cystic lesions, (2) fully developed large cystic lesions, (3) early regressive lesions with foci of basaloid cells and shadow cells with multinucleated giant cells, and (4) late regressive lesions with numerous shadow cells and less basaloid cell foci as well as presence of calcification and ossification [6].

However, the small size, lack of a marked infiltrative pattern, and absence of perineural and vascular invasion make it difficult to confirm a definitive diagnosis of malignancy. Furthermore, increased mitotic activity was noted which, while uncommon feature of pilomatrixoma, can be a marker for more aggressive biologic behavior [7].

Pilomatrix carcinoma is rare and may arise de novo without a pre-existing lesion or progress from benign lesions [8]. Histological features of malignancy include large tumor with nests of atypical basaloid cells, increase in mitotic activity, infiltrative border, and lymphovascular invasion. Areas of necrosis are also common [8].

Kaddu et al. [9] described a subset of pilomatrixoma known as proliferating pilomatrixoma with histological architectural features different from those of usual pilomatrixoma. These tumors have large size and are found mainly on the head and neck. Histologically, these tumors showed relatively large lesions predominantly composed of a lobular proliferation of basaloid cells, exhibiting variable nuclear atypia and mitotic figures [9]. Our case showed some of these features of proliferating pilomatrixoma, but the size was not in keeping with the original description of a proliferating lesion.

Differential diagnoses of these lesions of pilomatrixoma based on histological features include epidermal inclusion cyst, dermoid cyst, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, some follicular neoplasms such as trichoblastoma, and giant cell lesions [10].

In conclusion, we report a case of a small lesion with concerning features for a pilomatrix carcinoma. The atypical features include focal infiltrating border, focal necrosis, and increase in mitotic activity. Given the focality of the changes, this lesion is best described as pilomatrixoma with atypical features, with wide excision recommended. Furthermore, our case may highlight the need to ensure close clinical follow-up for these lesions with unexpected atypical features for the concern of recurrence and malignant transformation.

Statement of Ethics

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for participation and publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of this consent is with the corresponding author. The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest or financial support.

Funding Sources

There was no grant or funding support associated with this article.

Author Contributions

M. Missak drafted the manuscript, followed by critical revision and intellectual contributions by A. Haig and M. Gabril. M. Missak and M. Gabril prepared the histological images. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

References