Head and neck pilomatricoma: an analysis of 201 cases

Abstract

We report our experience with 201 pilomatricomas of the head and neck. They occurred over a wide age range (2-93 years, mean 29.5) and were most common in the first and second decades. Almost half (49%) presented in people over 40 years of age and there was no sex predilection (male:female ratio 1:1.1). The most common presentation was as a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic, subcutaneous mass, although nearly 25% were symptomatic, and 12% had a reddish blue skin discolouration. Most lesions were solitary; only 9 patients (5%) had multiple lesions. The most commonly affected sites were the cheek (23%), neck (22%), eyebrow (18%), and scalp (14%). Tumours were often mistaken for other lesions and a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only 28% of cases. Preoperative investigations were done only occasionally and were not always helpful. All lesions were excised and excision was reported to have been incomplete in 22%. Two patients (1%) had a recurrence after incomplete excision. We highlight the condition to raise awareness among clinicians, and we support conservative excision as the most appropriate method of treatment.