Updated view on epidemiology and clinical aspects of pilomatricoma in adults

Abstract

Background Clinically, pilomatricoma offers potential for a wide spectrum of differential diagnoses. It typically occurs in pediatric patients with the head being the most common location. A second peak of clinical presentation occurs in adults at age 50-65 years, suggesting a bimodal pattern of occurrence. Objective To investigate the clinical and epidemiological features of pilomatricoma in adults over 20 years old, as it is a common and frequently misdiagnosed tumor. Methods This was a retrospective study of pilomatricomas surgically removed at a tertiary hospital between January 1994 and December 2014. A search of the all-pathological database of patients aged over 20 years old with a pathological diagnosis of pilomatricoma was carried out. Results The clinical preoperative diagnosis of pilomatricoma was made in 34.0% of cases. Tumor location showed a predilection to the head and neck. Of the reported concomitant neoplasm, a majority had accompanying skin tumors. Conclusion We conclude that clinical features in adults were similar to those of children. This study outlines clinical presentations that should help to guide differential diagnoses. Additionally, because of similarities between the distribution and depth of vellus hair follicles and pilomatricomas, it is probable that vellus hair bulbs may be the origin of this tumor.