Developer site: The content shown here is test data.

MyEClinic
MyEClinic
Health Dictionary AI Health Chat Find an Online Doctor
A serene Zen garden with raked sand and smooth stones, symbolising clarity and calm

Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

Back to skin conditions

Pilomatricoma

Introduction

Overview

Overview

Pilomatricoma, also known as a calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe,[1] Malherbe calcifying epithelioma, and Pilomatrixoma, is a benign skin tumor derived from the hair matrix.[2]:670[3]

Histologic features

Histologic features

Pilomatricomas consist of anucleate squamous cells (called “ghost cells”), benign viable squamous cells and multi-nucleated giant cells. The presence of calcifications is common.

Pathogenesis

Pathogenesis

Pilomatricoma is associated with high levels of beta-catenin caused by either a mutation in the APC gene or beta-catenin gene. These high levels of beta-catenin can aid cell proliferation, inhibit cell death, and ultimately lead to cancer.[4]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Skin

Face
Perforanting Pilomatricoma
Face
See also

See also

References

References

  1. ↑ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0.
  2. ↑ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  3. ↑ Levy J, Ilsar M, Deckel Y, Maly A, Anteby I, Pe’er J (2008). “Eyelid pilomatrixoma: a description of 16 cases and a review of the literature”. Surv Ophthalmol. 53 (5): 526–35. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2008.06.007. PMID 18929763.
  4. ↑ Hassanein AM, Glanz SM, Kessler HP, Eskin TA, Liu C (2003). “beta-Catenin is expressed aberrantly in tumors expressing shadow cells. Pilomatricoma, craniopharyngioma, and calcifying odontogenic cyst”. Am J Clin Pathol (5):732-6. PMID 14608900.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 “Dermatology Atlas”.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]