Pilomatrix carcinoma: More malignant biological behavior than was considered in the past

Abstract

Abstract. Pilomatrix carcinoma is a very rare malignancy, with ~130 cases reported in the literature. In the past, pilomatrix carcinoma was considered to be a low-grade malignant tumor. Currently, however, its significant recurrence and metastatic potential has been well documented. Lymph node and systemic metastases are frequently observed. Wide surgical excision of the primary lesion is the principal modality of treatment, whereas adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial in local tumor control. Lymph node metastases may be treated surgically or with radiotherapy. Systemic disease is not responsive to chemotherapy, and is hence associated with a poor prognosis. Since the majority of nodal and systemic metastases present after the initial diagnosis and treatment, follow-up examinations of these patients may be warranted, despite the currently inadequate treatment options. In the present study, a case of pilomatrix carcinoma of the parotid region with early local recurrence only 2 months after complete excision with negative surgical margins is reported. The local recurrence was treated by excision and radiotherapy. The associated literature is also discussed.

Pilomatrix carcinoma on the left temporal region: A case report and review of the literature

“…Papadakis et al . reported a case of PC of the parotid region with early local recurrence after complete excision, and subsequently, the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy . Four years after surgical resection, no further local recurrence or distant metastasis was observed.…”

“…It typically presents as a single, hard, firm, painless, asymptomatic, slow‐growing dermal or subcutaneous mass . The majority of the lesions are located in the head and neck region, particularly in the preauricular area, scalp, posterior neck, and upper back . It was considered to be a low‐grade malignant tumor.…”

“…However, lymph node and systemic metastases are frequently observed, and the metastasis rate is greater than 10% . PC is a very rare malignancy; at present, approximately 130 cases have been reported in the English literature …”

“…Computed tomography image showing an approximately 2.1 × 1.8-cm mass on the left temporal region ularly in the preauricular area, scalp, posterior neck, and upper back 5. It was considered to be a low-grade malignant tumor.…”

“…However, lymph node and systemic metastases are frequently observed, and the metastasis rate is greater than 10%. 1 PC is a very rare malignancy; at present, approximately 130 cases have been reported in the English literature 5. PC represents an exceedingly rare cutaneous neoplasm composed of aggregations of highly atypical basaloid cells and shadow cells that extend throughout the dermis and subcutaneous fat.…”