Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma: case series and review of histological findings

Abstract

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFG) is a benign condition that typically presents as asymptomatic nodules on the cheeks of pediatric patients. The underlying etiology of IFG remains unknown; however, increasing evidence supports the theory that IFG may lie on a spectrum with childhood rosacea. Typically, biopsy and excision are deferred due to the benign nature, high spontaneous resolution rates, and cosmetically sensitive location. As biopsy is infrequently used to diagnose IFG, a limited library of histopathologic findings exists to characterize the lesions. We present a single-center retrospective review of five cases of IFG diagnosed by histology after surgical excision.