White fibrous papulosis of the neck

Abstract

A 56-year-old white man with multiple, discrete nonfollicular papules on the neck is presented. Clinical and histopathologic features were compatible with the entity of white fibrous papulosis of the neck (WFPN). Pseudoxanthoma elasticum–like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE) and WFPN are further clinicopathologic patterns of intrinsic aging. Clinically, WFPN is characterized by isolated, whitish papules, whereas those of PXE-PDE are yellowish and often coalesce to form “cobblestone” plaques. Our case showed clearly marginated whitish papules. The major histopathologic feature of WFPN is superficial dermal fibrosis with scant elastolysis; in PXE-PDE, there is papillary dermal elastolysis but no sign of fibrosis. No recurrence was performed in the 3 years’ follow-up in our case. Surgical treatment may be considered in such cases with well-circumscribed lesions.