Pilomatricoma: A diagnostic challenge both for the clinician and cytopathologist

Abstract

Pilomatricoma or Calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe is an uncommon benign tumour arising from the hair follicle. It comprises about 0.12% of all skin tumours, and is seen to occur in head and neck region and upper extremities in the first two decades of life. It is usually misdiagnosed clinically and preoperatively. We present a case report of a 55 year female with a firm, non tender, non pruritic nodule in trunk region measuring 2x2 cms since the past 1 month. FNAC was not contributory. However, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pilomatricoma. This case report highlights that pilomatricoma needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of all solitary skin nodules of all sites and age groups. Keywords: Pilomatricoma, Calcifying epithelioma, Trunk.