Malignant Melanocytic Matricoma: A Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature

Am J Dermatopathol. 2016 Jan;38(1):33-8. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000000329.

Abstract

Background: To describe 2 cases of melanocytic matricoma with malignant histological features and systematically review previously reported cases of malignant melanocytic matricoma.

Methods: Two cases of malignant melanocytic matricoma were identified from the practice of the authors. Additional 3 cases were identified in the literature. The clinical and pathological features of these 5 cases are described.

Results: Malignant melanocytic matricoma occurs predominantly in sun-damaged skin of elderly individuals. The tumor is composed of atypical epithelial cells with brisk mitotic activity showing evidence of matrical keratinization and widespread positivity with beta-catenin. There is an admixed cytologically bland dendritic melanocytic component. To date, local recurrence has occurred in one case, but no cases of disseminated disease or death have been reported.

Conclusions: Recognition of this rare tumor and separation from a range of diagnostic mimics is important to ensure adequate treatment by local excision and to allow further cases to be identified to better define the biological potential of this lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / metabolism
  • Hair Diseases / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanocytes / pathology*
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Pilomatrixoma / chemistry
  • Pilomatrixoma / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • beta Catenin / analysis

Substances

  • beta Catenin