Fast-growing pre-auricular pilomatrixoma simulating a lymph node enlargement: a case report

Abstract

Background: Pilomatrixoma is a relatively uncommon tumour of the skin appendages. It is usually a slow growing tumour. It presents as a firm, solitary and asymptomatic swelling of the dermal and subcutaneous tissues. It occurs more often in children, females and whites. The lesion has a predilection for the head and neck and upper extremities.

Study design: Case report and review of the literature.

Case Report: This case report is in a 58-year-old white male working in Nigeria, a black African country. The swelling showed a fast growth rate.

Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of a solitary, firm, mobile and non-tender swelling in the head and neck should include pilomatrixoma.

Keywords: pilomatrixoma, pilomatricoma, tumour, skin

Nigerian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 3(1) 2006: 26-29