Pilomatrixoma (epithelioma calcificans Malherbe). A clinical and histopathological survey of Danish material from 1954 to 1971.

Abstract

A clinical and histopathological study was made in 19 cases of pilomatrixoma (epithelioma calcificans Malherbe). Clinically the analysis confirmed that pilomatrixoma is often found in young females, usually above the palpebral fissure. Pilomatrixoma is a solid tumour adherent to the skin but not to the underlying tissue.The histological picture shows epithelial strands and islands of characteristic “shadow cells”. The stroma is characterized by granulation tissue with foreign body giant cells. Calcifications almost always occur. The tumour is benign. Malherbe stated that the lesion was developed from the sebaceous glands, but to‐day the tumour is believed to originate from hair matrix cells. The name pilomatrixoma was therefore suggested as a better term. In none of the present cases was the correct diagnosis made clinically. In view of the difficulty in diagnosis it is emphasised that every tumour removed should be referred for histological examination.