Palisaded encapsulated neuroma--a classic presentation of a commonly misdiagnosed neural tumor

J Drugs Dermatol. 2005 Jan-Feb;4(1):92-4.

Abstract

We present a case report of a classical presentation of palisaded encapsulated neuroma (PEN) of the skin occurring on the nasolabial crease and a review of the literature. A young woman presented with a smooth lobulated papule on the cheek enlarging over 2 years. Histologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed dermal nodule of small spindle cells with wavy nuclei arranged in fascicles, consistent with the diagnosis of PEN. PEN is a previously described, benign cutaneous neural tumour, with a histological appearance between that of a neurofibroma and a schwannoma. Though not uncommon, PEN remains under-diagnosed by many pathologists. Clinically, PEN is most commonly misdiagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma, a nevus, or as a neurofibroma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroma / diagnosis*
  • Neuroma / metabolism
  • Neuroma / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins