The cytology of giant solitary trichoepithelioma

Abstract

Giant solitary trichoepithelioma (GST) is a rare trichogenic tumor, which may present as a pigmented lesion. An 80-year-old man was diagnosed to have giant solitary trichoepithelioma on fine-needle aspiration cytology. The cytological findings represented the histological features. The recognition of GST is important because of its close resemblance to basal cell carcinoma and other skin adnexal tumors – clinically, cytologically and histologically.

A Giant Solitary Trichoepithelioma Originating from the Auricle

“…Trichoepitheliomas, first described by Brooke in 1892, are uncommon benign trichogenic tumors that originate from the hair follicle epithelium There are two clinical forms: hereditary multiple and nonhereditary solitary.…”

“…Hereditary multiple trichoepitheliomas are usually seen in children and young adults as a large number of papules 2 to 4 mm in diameter especially on the face, the scalp, and the upper half of the body …”

“…GSTs have a close histopathologic and clinical resemblance to keratotic basal cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, the tumor consists of basaloid epithelial cell islands, abortive hair follicle structures characterized by follicular differentiation, and keratinous cystic structures …”

“…Hereditary multiple trichoepitheliomas are usually seen in children and young adults as a large number of papules 2 to 4 mm in diameter especially on the face, the scalp, and the upper half of the body. 2 GSTs have a close histopathologic and clinical resemblance to keratotic basal cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, the tumor consists of basaloid epithelial cell islands, abortive hair follicle structures characterized by follicular differentiation, and keratinous cystic structures.…”

“…The solitary types do not show hereditary transition. Hereditary trichoepitheliomas are seen in younger people with multiple millimetrical nodules . In this article, we describe a GST originating from the auricle and evaluate the approach to its management.…”