No abstract

The management of multiple cylindromas presents a therapeutic challenge to the clinician. The condition has significant cosmetic implications, and malignant degeneration can occur. Reported treatments include excision and repair of individual lesions, high-dose radiation, and complete scalp removal with grafting. We review the proposed histogenesis of this tumor, discuss its associations, and report the first use of the carbon dioxide laser as a successful treatment.

A 21-year-old man from Yemen presented to the dermatology clinic with violaceous, depressed areas that had been increasing in number and size over the past 8 years. The depressions began on his trunk and had spread to his extremities. The patient was upset by the cosmetic appearance of the lesions, although he denied pain or pruritus. He stated that the depressions often developed small, indurated, white areas that gradually softened and darkened. None of the depressed areas had resolved over the past 8 years. The patient denied respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and was otherwise in good health.On physical examination, the patient was noted to have large, confluent, symmetrical depressions on the