Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is a rare, benign skin tumor that primarily affects the face of young to middle-aged women. It is characterized by small, skin-colored papules that slowly grow over time. Despite its benign nature, it can be mistaken for other more serious conditions, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma or Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma, due to its similar appearance.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma typically presents as a solitary, small (less than 1 cm), skin-colored papule on the face. It is slow-growing and usually asymptomatic. The most common locations are the nose, cheeks, and forehead. It is most commonly seen in young to middle-aged women, but can also occur in men and children.

Pathology[edit | edit source]

Histologically, Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is characterized by islands of basaloid cells in a desmoplastic stroma. The tumor islands are often surrounded by a dense, fibrous stroma. The tumor cells have small, dark nuclei and scant cytoplasm. There are often horn cysts present, which are filled with keratin.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is primarily based on the clinical presentation and histopathological findings. It can be difficult to distinguish from other skin tumors, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma or Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma, and therefore a biopsy is often necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of choice for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is surgical excision. Due to the benign nature of the tumor, no further treatment is usually necessary after complete excision. However, regular follow-up is recommended to monitor for recurrence.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is excellent. It is a benign tumor and does not metastasize. However, it can recur if not completely excised.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD