Pilomatrixoma: A description of two cases diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration

Abstract

The present work reports on the findings obtained by fine-needle aspiration of two pilomatrixomas located on the upper limbs whose diagnosis was confirmed histologically. In both cases, the cytology disclosed a proliferation of small round basaloid cells that were dispersed and grouped in clusters together with squamous cells and abundant multinucleate giant cells. The differential diagnosis with other neoplasms is discussed.

Cytology of Pilomatrixoma (Calcifying Epithelioma of Malherbe) in Fine Needle Aspirates

“…Since Woyke et al reported the cytology of 6 cases in 1982, 16 there have been only 22 additional cases reported. Of these 28 cases, not more than 10 were correctly diagnosed prior to excision, 6,8,9,11,13,14 and 10 were misinterpreted as carcinoma or suspicious for carcinoma 6,7,15,16 -1 as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 8 1 as pleomorphic adenoma with squamous metaplasia 3,4 and 1 as neoplasm, not otherwise specified. 8 In two cases specific cytologic diagnoses were not tendered, 1,3 and in three cases FNA diagnoses were not mentioned in the reports.…”

Letters to the Editors

“…Microfilariae have been observed in various cytologic materials, like aspirates from breast, 7 bone marrow, 9 thyroid, 8,10 epididymis, 4 and exfoliated material, like cervicovaginal smears, 3 urine, 5 effusions, and bronchial and laryngeal brushings. 2 Various neoplasms, like meningioma, hemangioblastoma, retroperitoneal fibromyxoma, osteoclastoma, metastatic carcinoma of the scapula and carcinoma of the cervix, 1 have also been associated with the incidental presence of microfilariae.…”

“…Remains of acellular, eosinophilic material and some giant multinucleated cells can also be found. 5,[8][9][10] This case is of interest for several reasons. Due to the rarity of pilomatrixoma in the breast, the possibility of this type of lesion is often overlooked.…”

“…Ghost cells are highly characteristic, but, unfortunately, they are not also observable due to their poor affinity with the stain and the presence of amorphic cellular remains. [8][9][10] review of smears in the diagnosis of pituitary adenomas 1 : amyloid spherules in prolactinoma.…”

“…9 A literature search failed to reveal any reports of microfilariae in leprosy lesions. The finding of microfilariae at such an unusual site may also be caused by the fact that larvae may be present in the blood and aspiration may lead to rupture of blood vessels, leading to hemorrhage and release of microfilariae into the tissue space.…”