SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 7
Download to read offline
An overview of hair follicle
tumours
Zlatko Maru
si
c
Eduardo Calonje
Abstract
Tumours derived from/differentiating towards the hair follicle are rela-
tively rare and the nomenclature is somewhat confusing. A seemingly
difficult task of classifying and stratifying various follicular tumours can
be made easier by grouping various follicular tumours according to
lines of differentiation pertaining to the specific anatomical compart-
ments within the hair follicle. This review paper aims to improve the un-
derstanding of follicular tumours and provide several key points in
order to facilitate their diagnosis.
Keywords follicular; hair germ; infundibular; isthmic; matrix;
trichilemmal
Introduction
Tumours derived from or differentiating towards the hair follicle
represent a subgroup of cutaneous adnexal tumours. Even
though basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is included in follicular
tumour sections of certain textbooks due to features shared by
BCC germ cells and follicular matrix cells, it is classified as ker-
atinocytic and not appendageal in the 2018 WHO classification.1
Therefore, it is safe to say that follicular tumours are relatively
rare, like other adnexal tumours. Follicular tumours display a
wide and often overlapping morphological spectrum, brought on
not only by the number of different structures within the hair
follicle but also by the hair follicle cycle. These characteristics of
the hair follicle often make follicular tumours difficult to under-
stand to the beginners in the field, and sometimes result in
considerable diagnostic difficulties for the practicing pathologist.
General diagnostic considerations
The most important diagnostic task is to determine whether a
follicular tumour is benign or malignant and, if malignant,
whether it is prone to recur or metastasize (fortunately, the latter
being quite rare). Architectural (infiltrative vs. circumscribed)
and cytological features (high mitotic count, pleomorphism) are
quite useful for this categorization, yet not sufficient alone
without a thorough knowledge of specific entities.
Hair anatomy/embryology-based classification of follicular
tumours facilitates the diagnosis because the nomenclature of
follicular tumours is descriptive and sometimes inconsistent. It is
a classification that categorizes the entities based on the
anatomic part of the follicle whose morphology they recapitulate.
There are essentially four parts of the follicle from deep to su-
perficial: the hair bulb, the suprabulbar zone (the stem), the
isthmus and the infundibulum.2
The suprabulbar zone extends
between the bulb and the insertion of arrector pili muscle. It is
followed by the isthmus whose upper limit is the opening of the
sebaceous duct. The infundibulum is the uppermost part of the
follicle, spanning the distance between the sebaceous duct
opening and the epidermal surface.
There are several classifications3,4
which are fundamentally
quite similar, with most differences being in the number of cat-
egories. For the purpose of this review, we will use a relatively
simple division into 5 categories, based on the predominant
pattern of differentiation, starting from the most superficial part
of the follicle:
- tumours with infundibular differentiation
- tumours with isthmic differentiation
- tumours with trichilemmal (outer root sheath of the hair
stem  bulb) differentiation
- tumours with hair bulb (matrical and biphasic)
differentiation
- tumours with panfollicular differentiation.
Tumours with infundibular differentiation
The infundibulum is characterized by epidermal-resembling
keratinocytes (containing a palisaded basal layer, a spinous
and a granular layer) and laminated keratin. We will focus on
trichoadenoma, as other entities in this group are cysts or
hamartomas and not truly neoplastic (dilated pore, naevus
comedonicus).
Trichoadenoma, also called “trichoadenoma of Nikolowski”,5
is a collection of keratinous dermal cysts, typically well-
circumbscribed, with little variation in cyst size (Figure 1). It
bears an adenoma-like architecture on scanning power, but has
no glandular components and is clearly not an adenoma. Cysts
are filled with laminated infundibular keratin, and the epithelium
contains all epidermal layers. Occasionally, the epithelium may
be composed of pale pink isthmus-like cells and the keratin is
more compact, or the surface of cysts is somewhat crenulated
resembling the sebaceous duct. A foreign-body granulomatous
reaction surrounding the cysts is frequent. The tumour is entirely
benign in behaviour.
The main differential diagnoses are microcystic adnexal car-
cinoma (MAC) and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE). Some
MACs are associated with larger cysts containing laminated
keratin, resembling trichoadenoma at first glance; however, MAC
is a deeply infiltrative tumour with desmoplasia that shows a
substantial proportion of tumour strands and solid cell aggre-
gates. Care should be taken to avoid this misdiagnosis, as treat-
ment for MAC requires extensive surgery. DTE shows some cysts
with infundibular-type keratin. However, follicular germ papilla-
like structures are also identified and the stroma in the back-
ground is desmoplastic.
Tumours with isthmic differentiation
The isthmic portion of the follicle is characterized by an outer
palisaded layer and 4e5 inner layers of pink keratinocytes
without a well-developed granular cell layer, while the keratin is
Zlatko Maru
si
c MD PhD Department of Pathology, University Hospital
Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. Conflicts of interest: none declared.
Eduardo Calonje MD Dip RCPath Director of Diagnostic
Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatopathology, St John’s
Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK. Conflicts
of interest: none declared.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 128
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
compact and homogenous (so-called “trichilemmal”), as
opposed to laminated infundibular keratin.
Tumours with isthmic differentiation include the tumour of
the follicular infundibulum (anatomically, a misnomer), pilar
sheath acanthoma and proliferating trichilemmal cyst (pilar
tumour).
Tumour of the follicular infundibulum (TFI)6
most
frequently presents as a solitary scaled nodule in the head and
neck of middle-aged and elderly persons. On histology, it is a
fenestrated proliferation of keratinocytes with isthmic features,
connected to the epidermis (Figure 2a). The epithelial strands
that outline fenestrations are often arranged parallel to the skin
surface. The behaviour is benign.
Dermal induction changes accompanying dermatofibroma
and epithelial fenestrations in fibroepithelioma of Pinkus may
resemble TFI. In cases with underlying dermatofibroma, TFI
should not be diagnosed. Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus is distin-
guished from TFI based on its hair germ differentiation.
Pilar sheath acanthoma (PSA)7
presents as a solitary small
nodule with a central keratin pore, characteristically on the upper
lip. Histologically, there is a cystic central indentation with
infundibular appearance surrounded by well-circumscribed
nodules of isthmic keratinocytes containing trichilemmal kera-
tin (Figure 2b). Its behaviour is entirely benign.
Trichofolliculoma architecturally resembles PSA, but it shows
more lines of differentiation (panfollicular differentiation).
Sometimes, the central cystic part is not present in the sections
due to orientation/tangentional sectioning. When the latter
happens, well-circumscribed nodules with isthmic keratinocytes
surrounding compact keratin should allow for the diagnosis of
PSA to be made.
Proliferating trichilemmal cyst (PTC, synonym ¼ pilar
tumour) shows scalp predilection (around 90% of cases) and a
marked female predominance.8
Its biologic potential spans from
benign (majority of cases) towards atypical/low grade, and rare
higher grade tumours. They are slowly growing, usually solitary,
often large and multinodular, with deep extension. Some cases
exhibit substantial ulceration and a rather dramatic clinical
appearance. Histology suggests development from a simple tri-
chilemmal cyst in many cases. Architecturally, lobulated solid
tumor foci predominate over the cystic component. In benign
cases, tumour outlines are smooth, pushing, without infiltrative
growth (Figure 2c). There is typically no granular cell layer and
central keratin is compact and homogeneous. Epithelial glycogen
accumulation can be seen, as well as a foreign body-type reaction
in the surrounding connective tissue.
A smaller proportion of cases have some malignant potential.
In the largest study to assess malignant potential so far, Ye et al.9
stratified 76 pilar tumour cases with follow-up into three groups.
The first group, consisting of tumours with moderate atypia,
typical pushing growth and no invasive features showed entirely
benign behaviour. The second group exhibited some locally
infiltrative dermal/subcutaneous growth (no neural/vascular
involvement or significant atypia) and had local recurrence in
15% of cases. Third group were tumours that showed marked
nuclear atypia, atypical mitoses, necrosis and infiltrative growth
pattern (including but not limited to cases with neural and
vascular involvement). They were the least frequent and showed
higher rates (50%) of recurrence/regional lymph node metas-
tasis. In this case series no distant metastases were recorded.
There have been some convincing reports describing extremely
rare death from metastases10
; however, there are also several
sporadic reports of visceral metastasis that lack convincing his-
tological depiction.
Tumours with trichilemmal differentiation
For the purpose of this review, “trichilemmal” refers to differ-
entiation recapitulating the outer root sheath of the hair stem 
bulb. It is characterized by several layers of cells with pale to
clear, glycogenated cytoplasm, surrounded by a palisaded cell
layer with nuclei oriented opposite to a brightly eosinophilic
basement membrane.
Trichilemmoma can be solitary or multiple. Multiple trichi-
lemmomas are diagnostic of Cowden syndrome, an autosomal
dominant multiple hamartoma syndrome associated with germ-
line mutations in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene.11
Individuals
with Cowden syndrome carry an increased risk of breast, thy-
roid, uterine and other malignancies. Besides multiple trichi-
lemmomas, the condition is also characterized by a host of
cutaneous lesions such as multiple acrochorda, acral keratosis,
dermal hyperneury and vitiligo. Oral cavity is frequently affected,
imparting a characteristic, diffuse cobblestone mucosal appear-
ance. Solitary trichilemmoma is most frequent in the head and
neck, especially the central part of face. It is composed of
peripherally palisading clear cells with epidermal/hair follicle
connection and smooth contours outlined by a brightly eosino-
philic basement membrane (Figure 3a). Trichilemmoma is
practically the only cutaneous epithelial tumour known to
diffusely express CD34, which can be important in the differen-
tial diagnosis.
Desmoplastic trichilemmoma12
is a variant that has no asso-
ciation with Cowden syndrome. It is very important because it is
a mimicker of malignancy. The periphery of the lesion looks like
a typical trichilemmoma, while the center is sclerosed, composed
of narrow and irregular epithelial cords embedded in a densely
hyalinized PAS-positive, diastase-resistant stroma (Figure 3b).
The cells in the desmoplastic areas have a more squamoid
appearance.
Due to its infiltrative growth, desmoplastic trichilemmoma
needs to be distinguished from trichilemmal, squamous and
basal cell carcinoma. The pseudo-infiltrative part of desmoplastic
trichilemmoma is central, not peripheral as in carcinomas, the
Figure 1 Trichoadenoma. Multiple dermal cysts filled with infundibular-
type keratin.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 129
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
epithelial cords are surrounded by hyalinized stroma and do not
exhibit true cytological atypia. Additionally, the periphery ex-
hibits typical trichilemmoma features. In doubtful cases, espe-
cially in shave biopsies, CD34 can be very useful in the
distinction, as carcinomas are negative for this marker. However,
caution is necessary as some or most of the squamoid cells in the
desmoplastic area can be negative for CD34. Classical trichi-
lemmoma is most commonly confused with eccrine tumours
such as hidroacanthoma simplex and eccrine poroma. Lack of
ductal differentiation (which can be confirmed by negative
reaction for EMA and CEA) and presence of trichilemmal dif-
ferentiation should allow distinction to be made.
Trichilemmal carcinoma (TC) is regarded by some au-
thors13,14
as a clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma, and
the original concept proposed by Headington15
is contested.
However, the neoplasm is recognized in the WHO classification
of skin tumours. TC is relatively rare and found in the sun-
exposed skin of the elderly. Histologically, it shows a lobular
growth of atypical, PAS-positive clear cells with occasional sub-
nuclear vacuolization and connection to hair follicles, but no
Figure 2 a) Tumour of the follicular infundibulum. Anastomosing epithelial strands connected to the epidermis; (inset) isthmic-type epithelium. b)
Pilar sheath acanthoma. Nodules of isthmic-type epithelium with central keratin (inset). c) Proliferating trichilemmal tumour. Well-circumscribed,
predominantly solid tumour with central trichilemmal keratin; (inset) homogeneous keratin and isthmic-type epithelium.
Figure 3 a) Trichilemomma. Warty architecture with hyperkeratosis; (inlet) trichilemmal differentiation in the form of clear, peripherally palisading
cells surrounded by a thickened basement membrane. b) Desmoplastic trichilemmoma. Outline of typical trichilemomma with a sclerotic center;
(inset) central part, narrow epithelial cords in a hyalinized stroma. c) Trichilemmal carcinoma. Nodules composed of atypical cells with trichilemmal
differentiation.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 130
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
thickening of the basement membrane (Figure 3c). Nucleoli are
prominent, mitoses are frequent, and there are foci of trichi-
lemmal keratinization. There can be focal CD34 expression,
consistent with outer root sheath differentiation. TC typically
exhibits low-grade behaviour, therefore a tumor-free margin is
very important.
TC needs to be distinguished from desmoplastic trichi-
lemmoma, and also from clear cell hidradenocarcinoma. The
latter is more aggressive in behavior and shows ductal differen-
tiation highlighted by CEA and/or EMA staining. Desmoplastic
trichilemmoma lacks pleomorphism and mitoses exhibited by
TC.
Tumours with hair bulb differentiation
The hair bulb consists of a crescent-shaped epithelial part - the
matrix, which encases a central collection of mesenchymal cells -
the follicular papilla. A layer of palisading follicular germinative
epithelial cells in close association to papilla mesenchymal cells
is found at the matrix/papilla interface. Tumours recapitulating
the hair bulb can be divided into 2 categories. One represents the
matrix (pilomatrixoma, melanocytic matricoma), and the other is
biphasic epithelial/mesenchymal (trichoepithelioma, tricho-
blastoma), corresponding to the juxtaposed follicular germina-
tive and mesenchymal cells of the papilla.
Pilomatricoma16
is usually encountered in children and
young adults in the head/neck, trunk and upper limbs. Most
pilomatricomas are solitary. Multiple pilomatricomas have been
documented in patients with Gardner syndrome, Turner syn-
drome, and a host of other very rare syndromes17
It is usually
multilobulated, dermal, occasionally subcutaneous. There are
two cell populations - small and uniform basaloid cells with
larger vesicular nuclei, and eosinophilic “ghost” cells with
pyknotic or faintly visible/absent nuclei (Figure 4a). Basaloid
cells predominate in early lesions. They occupy the periphery
and gradually transform into central ghost cells. Mitotic activity
is usually brisk and this should not be regarded as a sign of
malignancy. Foreign-body type histiocytic reaction and central
calcification can be encountered. The latter is especially frequent
in late lesions, with true osseous metaplasia and formation of
marrow spaces particularly in long-standing tumours. Prolifer-
ating pilomatricoma is defined as a variant in which basaloid
cells make the bulk of the tumour with hardly any or only a small
proportion of ghost cells.
Melanocytic matricoma1
is a rare tumour with bulb differ-
entiation, melanin deposits and numerous pigmented
dendrocytic melanocytes. It bears some resemblance to piloma-
tricoma, with less prominent ghost cells.
Pilomatrical carcinoma (Figure 4c) is found in same
anatomic sites and older population than pilomatricoma. A
number of reported cases are likely to represent misdiagnosed
early pilomatricomas with brisk mitotic activity. Features suspi-
cious for malignancy are large size, deep/infiltrative growth,
confluent tumour necrosis, venous, lymphatic or perineural in-
vasion. Interestingly, both pilomatricoma and pilomatrical car-
cinoma exhibit mutations in the beta-catenin gene CTNNB1.18
It
appears that most cases pilomatrical carcinoma are low grade
tumours, with rare metastases that are usually limited to the
lymph node drainage area. However, a handful of cases reported
in the literature have been associated with distant metastases.19
Trichoepithelioma and trichoblastoma. These tumours show
substantial morphological overlap and it has even been sug-
gested that all neoplasms in this category should be classified as
trichoblastomas. In general, “trichoepithelioma” is used for more
superficial sporadic tumours and multiple small tumours located
on the face that are part of the Brooke-Spiegler syndrome.
Trichoepithelioma is usually limited to the upper portion of
the reticular dermis and may show occasional epidermal
connection. It is composed of small lobules and infundibular
keratocysts lined by basaloid, peripherally palisading cells which
are cytologically essentially indistinguishable from BCC cells
(Figure 5a). The surrounding stroma is generally more pro-
nounced than in BCC, recapitulating “papillary mesenchymal
bodies”, i.e. mesenchymal nodules forming the follicular hair
germ papilla.
Multiple trichoepitheliomas occur as small papules in the
central face, characteristically occupying nasolabial folds,
cheeks, eyebrows or eyelids. They are found in multiple familial
trichoepithelioma setting as an isolated finding, or accompanying
cylindromas/spiradenomas in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome. Multi-
ple familial trichoepithelioma is actually a phenotypic variant of
Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, as they share both clinical/pathologic
features and CYLD mutations.20
Rombo syndrome is a rare syn-
drome that may present with multiple trichoepitheliomas in
combination with milia, vermiculate atrophy, BCC, vellus hair
cysts, peripheral vasodilatation, and cyanosis.1
The main differential diagnosis for trichoepithelioma is BCC.
Formation of papillary mesenchymal bodies points to trichoepi-
thelioma, while ulceration, connection to the epidermis, peri-
tumoural clefts and mucin deposition argue for BCC. Numerous
Figure 4 a) Pilomatricoma. Proliferation of peripheral basaloid and central ghost cells; (inset) interface between two cell populations. b) Pilomatrical
carcinoma. Poorly differentiated carcinoma with ulcerated surface, composed of basaloid cells; (inset) a high power view highlighting ghost cells
surrounded by atypical basaloid cells with numerous mitoses.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 131
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
studies have tried to utilize various panels of immunohisto-
chemical markers, such as CD34, CD10, epithelial membrane
antigen, bcl-2, cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 20 and D2-40 to aid in
the distinction, with inconclusive results.21
If histological
distinction cannot reliably be made on a superficial shave biopsy,
it is prudent to recommend complete excision of the lesion.
Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) shows some specific
morphological and differential diagnostic features compared to
conventional trichoepithelioma. It is usually a small and super-
ficial papule with a central dimple located on the face of young
adults. Lesions are superficial, fairly circumscribed and charac-
terized by superficial infundibular keratocysts with focal calcifi-
cation and thin strands of epithelial basaloid cells lacking
peripheral palisading, embedded in a desmoplastic stroma
(Figure 5b). Perineural involvement has rarely been reported in
DTE22
that should not be equated with malignancy or lead to
overtreatment.
The main differential diagnoses which can be extremely
challenging in superficial partial biopsies, include morphoeic
BCC (mBCC) and microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC). DTE
does not show any peripheral palisading, retraction artefact,
prominent mitotic activity or ulceration found in mBCC and
contains keratocysts, unlike mBCC. DTE can also be distin-
guished from mBCC by the presence of scattered CK20-positive
Merkel cells in tumour strands and negativity for androgen re-
ceptors. BerEP4 is not useful in the differential, being usually
positive in both. DTE is never as infiltrative as MAC, even in the
cases with perineural invasion described by McNiff et al.22
In
addition, MAC usually does not exhibit superficial calcified ker-
atocysts. Evidence of ductal differentiation in MAC by CEA/EMA
staining, if present, can exclude DTE. A combination of CK15 and
CK19 may also be used in the differential, as the immunoprofile
is CK15þ/CK19- in DTE and CK15-/CK19þ in MAC.23
Trichoblastoma has a predilection for the head and neck,
trunk, genital/perianal region and proximal extremities. It can be
large (3 cm or more), is well-circumscribed and occupies the
entire dermis with occasional subcutaneous involvement. It has
follicular hair germ differentiation, i.e. has both epithelial and
mesenchymal component. The epithelial component grows in
larger/smaller nodules, cribriform or trabecular structures, sur-
rounded by specialized mesenchymal cells resembling the cells
of follicular papilla (Figure 5c). Conventional BCCs do not show
such typical epithelial/mesenchymal juxtaposition and marked
peri-epithelial mesenchymal cell condensation. Trichoblastoma
follows a benign course. Interestingly, Requena et al. recently
described a multiple facial plaque trichoblastoma variant of
presumed hereditary aetiology, but were unable to track down an
underlying genetic alteration.24
Malignant variants may occur
and are described below.
Cutaneous lymphadenoma25
(synonym adamantoid tricho-
blastoma) is a characteristic morphological subtype of tricho-
blastoma. It is well-delineated, un-encapsulated, with nests of
large clear cells that are surrounded by peripheral palisading
cells, infiltrated by numerous lymphocytes and embedded in a
dense fibrous stroma. It should not be confused with lymphoe-
pithelial carcinoma of the skin, an epithelial malignancy heavily
infiltrated by lymphocytes.
Malignant trichoblastoma can have a malignant epithelial
(trichoblastic carcinoma) or mesenchymal (trichoblastic sar-
coma) component, or a combination of the two (trichoblastic
carcinosarcoma) (Figure 5d). All of them affect the elderly.
Sarcomatous transformation is even less frequent than carci-
nomatous transformation, with only a handful of cases
described so far.26
“Trichoblastic carcinoma” has been used by
the late Bernard Ackerman as a synonym for BCC3
; however,
Figure 5 a) Trichoepithelioma. Superficially-centered tumour composed of small germinative nests; (inset) formation of abortive hair germ
structures. b) Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. Superficial, non-infiltrative tumour composed of cords, small nests and calcified microcysts sur-
rounded by a dense fibrous stroma. c) Trichoblastoma. Nests resembling hair germ structures surrounded by characteristic mesenchymal
component. d) Trichoblastic carcinosarcoma. Tumour harbouring both epithelial and mesenchymal malignant components; (inset) high power view
showing atypia in the mesenchymal component as well as brisk mitoses in the epithelial component.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 132
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
we and other authors use it for malignant transformation of
trichoblastoma. The most important diagnostic feature of ma-
lignant trichoblastoma is its grade. Low grade tumours
resemble trichoblastoma but have infiltrative growth, involving
deep soft tissue or skeletal muscle; high grade trichoblastic
carcinomas show high grade cytomorphology together with
infiltrative growth. The data on these two tumour types is
limited, but it seems that low grade tumours exhibit only local
recurrence, while high grade tumours may result in metastasis
and death.27
As Brooke-Spiegler syndrome has been mentioned in this
section, we will also refer to Birt-Hogg-Dub
e (BHD) syndrome,28
a rare autosomal-dominant genodermatosis characterized by
numerous, discrete 1e5 mm skin-coloured papules on the head
and neck. It is caused by mutations in the FLCN gene29
that
simultaneously carry predisposition for renal tumours, pulmo-
nary cysts, bullous emphysema and spontaneous pneumothorax.
Histology of the papules corresponds to fibrofolliculoma, a cir-
cumscribed proliferation of loose connective tissue around a
well-formed follicle, and trichodiscoma, a collection of loosely-
woven, follicle-associated connective tissue with admixed thin-
and thick-walled blood vessels.
Tumours with panfollicular differentiation
Several differentiation lines can be found to a small extent in
various follicular tumours; in tumours with panfollicular differ-
entiation, it is a rule and it is generally quite pronounced. They
are therefore considered hamartomatous by most authors.
Trichofolliculoma30
usually presents in the head and neck as
a small (0.5e1 cm), solitary flesh-coloured nodule. One or more
central white silky hairs can be seen growing from the nodule.
On histology, a central cystic cavity is lined by infundibular type
epithelium, and contains keratinous debris/shredded hairs.
Numerous hair follicles with various anatomic lines of differen-
tiation are spreading from the lining of the cavity towards the
surrounding dermis (Figure 6). Trichofolliculoma not only re-
capitulates various anatomical lines of differentiation, but also
different phases of follicle growth (anagen, catagen, telogen). Its
behaviour is entirely benign. An extremely rare tumour called
panfolliculoma can be included in this group because it shows
multiple elements of the hair follicle, yet it predominantly
resembles trichoblastoma with areas of more mature follicular
differentiation. A
REFERENCES
1 Scolyer RA, Armstrong B, Berti E. Keratinocytic/epidermal tu-
mours: Introduction. In: Elder DE, Massi D, Scolyer R, Willemze R,
eds. WHO classification of skin tumours. 4th
Edition. Lyon: IARC
Press, 2018; 24.
2 Restrepo R, Calonje E. Diseases of the hair. In: Calonje JE,
Brenn T, Lazar AJ, McKee PH, eds. McKee’s pathology of the
skin. 4th
Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2011; 972e9.
3 Kazakov DV. Lesions with predominant follicular differentiation. In:
Kazakov DV, McKee PH, Michal M, Kacerovska D, eds. Cuta-
neous adnexal tumors. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams  Wil-
kins, 2012; 173e5.
4 Ackerman BA, Reddy VB, Soyer PH. Neoplasms with follicular
differentiation. New York, NY: Ardor Scribendi, 2001; 1109.
5 Nikolowski W. [Trichoadenoma (organoid follicular hamartoma)].
Arch Klin Exp Dermatol 1958; 207: 34e45.
6 Mehregan AH, Butler JD. A tumor of follicular infundibulum.
Report of a case. Arch Dermatol 1961; 83: 924e7.
7 Mehregan AH, Brownstein MH. Pilar sheath acanthoma. Arch
Dermatol 1978; 114: 1495e7.
8 Wilson-Jones E. Proliferating epidermoid cysts. Arch Dermatol
1966; 94: 11e9.
9 Ye J, Nappi O, Swanson PE, Patterson JW, Wick MR. Proliferating
pilar tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 76 cases with a proposal
for definition of benign and malignant variants. Am J Clin Pathol
2004; 122: 566e74.
10 Folpe AL, Reisenauer AK, Mentzel T, R€
utten A, Solomon AR.
Proliferating trichilemmal tumors: clinicopathologic evaluation is a
guide to biologic behavior. J Cutan Pathol 2003; 30: 492e8.
11 Mester J, Eng C. Cowden syndrome: recognizing and managing a
not-so-rare hereditary cancer syndrome. J Surg Oncol 2015; 111:
125e30.
12 Hunt SJ, Kilzer B, Santa Cruz DJ. Desmoplastic trichilemmoma:
histologic variant resembling invasive carcinoma. J Cutan Pathol
1990; 17: 45e52.
13 Dalton SR, LeBoit PE. Squamous cell carcinoma with clear cells:
how often is there evidence of tricholemmal differentiation? Am J
Dermatopathol 2008; 30: 333e9.
14 Misago N, Ackerman AB. New quandary: tricholemmal carci-
noma? Dermatopathol Pract Conceptual 1999; 5: 463e73.
Figure 6 Trichofolliculoma. Symmetrical cystic indentation giving rise
to numerous small follicles that show several lines of follicular
differentiation.
Practice points
C Follicular tumours are rare and the terminology is confusing
C A tumour classification based on anatomical lines of follicular
differentiation is useful
C Follicular tumour diagnosis may seem difficult, but is achievable
with proper knowledge of the classification
C Mitotic activity or infiltrative growth do not equal malignancy.
Knowledge on which benign entities may display such features is
crucial to prevent misdiagnosis
C Multiple follicular tumours can be associated with genetic cancer
tumour syndromes
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 133
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).
15 Headington JT. Tumors of the hair follicle. A review. Am J Pathol
1976; 85: 479e514.
16 Malherbe A, Chenantais J. Note sur l’ epithelioma calcifie des
glandes sebacees. Prog Med 1880; 8: 826e8.
17 Grabczynska SA, Budny P, Calonje E, Ratnavel R. Case 3: mul-
tiple familial pilomatrixoma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 343e4.
18 Lazar AJ, Calonje E, Grayson W, et al. Pilomatrix carcinomas
contain mutations in CTNNB1, the gene encoding beta-catenin.
J Cutan Pathol 2005; 32: 148e57.
19 Arslan D, G€
und€
uz S, Avci F, et al. Pilomatrix carcinoma of the
scalp with pulmonary metastasis: a case report of a complete
response to oral endoxan and etoposide. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:
1959e61.
20 Bowen S, Gill M, Lee DA, et al. Mutations in the CYLD gene in
Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, familial cylindromatosis, and multiple
familial trichoepithelioma: lack of genotype-phenotype correla-
tion. J Investig Dermatol 2005; 124: 919e20.
21 Tebcherani AJ, de Andrade Jr HF, Sotto MN. Diagnostic utility of
immunohistochemistry in distinguishing trichoepithelioma and
basal cell carcinoma: evaluation using tissue microarray samples.
Mod Pathol 2012; 25: 1345e53.
22 Jedrych J, Leffell D, McNiff JM. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma
with perineural involvement: a series of seven cases. J Cutan
Pathol 2012; 39: 317e23.
23 Sellheyer K, Nelson P, Kutzner H, Patel RM. The immunohisto-
chemical differential diagnosis of microcystic adnexal carcinoma,
desmoplastic trichoepithelioma and morpheaform basal cell car-
cinoma using BerEP4 and stem cell markers. J Cutan Pathol 2013;
40: 363e70.
24 Requena C, Requena L, Kazakov DV, et al. Multiple facial plaque
variant of trichoblastoma. J Cutan Pathol 2019; 46: 285e9.
25 Santa Cruz DJ, Barr RJ, Headington JT. Cutaneous lymphade-
noma. Am J Surg Pathol 1991; 15: 101e10.
26 Kazakov DV, Vittay G, Michal M, Calonje E. High-grade tricho-
blastic carcinosarcoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2008; 30: 62e4.
27 Regauer S, Beham-Schmid C, Okcu M, Hartner E, Mannweiler S.
Trichoblastic carcinoma (”malignant trichoblastoma“) with
lymphatic and hematogenous metastases. Mod Pathol 2000; 13:
673e8.
28 Birt AR, Hogg GR, Dub
e WJ. Hereditary multiple fibrofolliculomas
with trichodiscomas and acrochordons. Arch Dermatol 1977; 113:
1674e7.
29 Khoo SK, Bradley M, Wong FK, et al. Birt-Hogg-Dub
e syndrome:
mapping of a novel hereditary neoplasia gene to chromosome
17p12-q11.2. Oncogene 2001; 20: 5239e42.
30 Miescher G. Un cas de trichofolliculome. Dermatologica 1944; 89:
193e4.
MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY
DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 134
Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article
under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/4.0/).

More Related Content

Similar to Anoverviewofhairfollicle tumours 123.pdf

arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdf
arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdfarpa.2011-0461-rs.pdf
arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdftttran
 
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent Advances
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent AdvancesCytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent Advances
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent AdvancesnehaSingh1543
 
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson Publishers
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson PublishersClarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson Publishers
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson PublishersCrimsonpublishersTTEH
 
Conjunctival tumors
Conjunctival tumorsConjunctival tumors
Conjunctival tumorsArash Eslami
 
Recent updates and reporting of testicular tumors Dr.Argha Baruah
Recent updates and reporting  of testicular tumors  Dr.Argha BaruahRecent updates and reporting  of testicular tumors  Dr.Argha Baruah
Recent updates and reporting of testicular tumors Dr.Argha BaruahArgha Baruah
 
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptoms
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptomsBrain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptoms
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptomswajidullah9551
 
Tumors of odontogenic origin
Tumors of odontogenic originTumors of odontogenic origin
Tumors of odontogenic originNikhil Kule
 
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson Publishers
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson PublishersThe Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson Publishers
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson PublishersCrimsonpublishersTTEH
 
Myoepithelial cells 28th jan
Myoepithelial cells 28th janMyoepithelial cells 28th jan
Myoepithelial cells 28th janGanesh Parajuli
 
Cystic neck masses
Cystic neck massesCystic neck masses
Cystic neck massesNavni Garg
 
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytoma
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytomaTopic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytoma
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytomaProfessor Yasser Metwally
 
Breast pathology 4
Breast pathology 4Breast pathology 4
Breast pathology 4Prasad CSBR
 
Neoplasia basics
Neoplasia basicsNeoplasia basics
Neoplasia basicsKSREESHMA
 
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia Husain
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia HusainBreast pathology 2017 Sufia Husain
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia HusainSufia Husain
 

Similar to Anoverviewofhairfollicle tumours 123.pdf (20)

oral-cancer :Diagnosis and management .pdf
oral-cancer :Diagnosis and management .pdforal-cancer :Diagnosis and management .pdf
oral-cancer :Diagnosis and management .pdf
 
multiple familial tricoepithelioma
multiple familial tricoepithelioma multiple familial tricoepithelioma
multiple familial tricoepithelioma
 
arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdf
arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdfarpa.2011-0461-rs.pdf
arpa.2011-0461-rs.pdf
 
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent Advances
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent AdvancesCytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent Advances
Cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma:Recent Advances
 
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson Publishers
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson PublishersClarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson Publishers
Clarion and Crystal-Clear Cell Acanthoma Reviewed_ Crimson Publishers
 
Conjunctival tumors
Conjunctival tumorsConjunctival tumors
Conjunctival tumors
 
Recent updates and reporting of testicular tumors Dr.Argha Baruah
Recent updates and reporting  of testicular tumors  Dr.Argha BaruahRecent updates and reporting  of testicular tumors  Dr.Argha Baruah
Recent updates and reporting of testicular tumors Dr.Argha Baruah
 
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptoms
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptomsBrain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptoms
Brain tumors Bs Nursing and sign and symptoms
 
Tumors of odontogenic origin
Tumors of odontogenic originTumors of odontogenic origin
Tumors of odontogenic origin
 
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson Publishers
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson PublishersThe Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson Publishers
The Germinative Preponderance-Sebaceous Epithelioma_ Crimson Publishers
 
-neoplsia-
-neoplsia--neoplsia-
-neoplsia-
 
Myoepithelial cells 28th jan
Myoepithelial cells 28th janMyoepithelial cells 28th jan
Myoepithelial cells 28th jan
 
Salivary gland tumours
Salivary gland tumoursSalivary gland tumours
Salivary gland tumours
 
Cystic neck masses
Cystic neck massesCystic neck masses
Cystic neck masses
 
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytoma
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytomaTopic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytoma
Topic of the month: Radiological pathology of pilocytic astrocytoma
 
Breast pathology 4
Breast pathology 4Breast pathology 4
Breast pathology 4
 
Neoplasia basics
Neoplasia basicsNeoplasia basics
Neoplasia basics
 
Mediastinal cyst
Mediastinal cyst Mediastinal cyst
Mediastinal cyst
 
Harbor UCLA Neuro-Radiology Case 6
Harbor UCLA Neuro-Radiology Case 6Harbor UCLA Neuro-Radiology Case 6
Harbor UCLA Neuro-Radiology Case 6
 
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia Husain
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia HusainBreast pathology 2017 Sufia Husain
Breast pathology 2017 Sufia Husain
 

More from Anna443020

[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt
[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt
[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.pptAnna443020
 
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdf
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdfClinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdf
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdfAnna443020
 
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdf
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdfAutoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdf
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdfAnna443020
 
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdf
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdfBP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdf
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdfAnna443020
 
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...Anna443020
 
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdf
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdfExtramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdf
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdfAnna443020
 

More from Anna443020 (6)

[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt
[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt
[UGY教學課程胸腔內科chest]Aerosol噴霧劑的使用上課教學檔案.ppt
 
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdf
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdfClinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdf
Clinical Commissioning Policy Rituximab for immunobullous disease.pdf
 
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdf
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdfAutoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdf
Autoimmune bullous skin diseases. diagnosis and therapy.pdf
 
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdf
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdfBP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdf
BP180 is critical in autoimmunity of BP.pdf
 
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...
Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats a d...
 
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdf
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdfExtramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdf
Extramammary Paget’s disease a review of the literature.pdf
 

Recently uploaded

Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...mahaiklolahd
 
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableDipal Arora
 
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...chandars293
 
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...Sheetaleventcompany
 
Call Girls Guntur Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Guntur  Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Guntur  Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Guntur Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableDipal Arora
 
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...Arohi Goyal
 
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...chandars293
 
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...narwatsonia7
 
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on WhatsappMost Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on WhatsappInaaya Sharma
 
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...
Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...chandars293
 
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...Dipal Arora
 
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...parulsinha
 
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...parulsinha
 
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...adilkhan87451
 
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...narwatsonia7
 
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...Ishani Gupta
 
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service AvailableTrichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service AvailableGENUINE ESCORT AGENCY
 
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In AhmedabadGENUINE ESCORT AGENCY
 
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...hotbabesbook
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
 
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
 
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
 
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
 
Call Girls Guntur Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Guntur  Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Guntur  Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Guntur Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...
All Time Service Available Call Girls Marine Drive 📳 9820252231 For 18+ VIP C...
 
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...
The Most Attractive Hyderabad Call Girls Kothapet 𖠋 9332606886 𖠋 Will You Mis...
 
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Majestic ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
 
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on WhatsappMost Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
 
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...
Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Erragadda ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine ...
 
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
 
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...
(Low Rate RASHMI ) Rate Of Call Girls Jaipur ❣ 8445551418 ❣ Elite Models & Ce...
 
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
 
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...
Russian Call Girls Lucknow Just Call 👉👉7877925207 Top Class Call Girl Service...
 
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟  9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Richmond Circle ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Ge...
 
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...
Mumbai ] (Call Girls) in Mumbai 10k @ I'm VIP Independent Escorts Girls 98333...
 
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service AvailableTrichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
 
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad
8980367676 Call Girls In Ahmedabad Escort Service Available 24×7 In Ahmedabad
 
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...
Night 7k to 12k Chennai City Center Call Girls 👉👉 7427069034⭐⭐ 100% Genuine E...
 

Anoverviewofhairfollicle tumours 123.pdf

  • 1. An overview of hair follicle tumours Zlatko Maru si c Eduardo Calonje Abstract Tumours derived from/differentiating towards the hair follicle are rela- tively rare and the nomenclature is somewhat confusing. A seemingly difficult task of classifying and stratifying various follicular tumours can be made easier by grouping various follicular tumours according to lines of differentiation pertaining to the specific anatomical compart- ments within the hair follicle. This review paper aims to improve the un- derstanding of follicular tumours and provide several key points in order to facilitate their diagnosis. Keywords follicular; hair germ; infundibular; isthmic; matrix; trichilemmal Introduction Tumours derived from or differentiating towards the hair follicle represent a subgroup of cutaneous adnexal tumours. Even though basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is included in follicular tumour sections of certain textbooks due to features shared by BCC germ cells and follicular matrix cells, it is classified as ker- atinocytic and not appendageal in the 2018 WHO classification.1 Therefore, it is safe to say that follicular tumours are relatively rare, like other adnexal tumours. Follicular tumours display a wide and often overlapping morphological spectrum, brought on not only by the number of different structures within the hair follicle but also by the hair follicle cycle. These characteristics of the hair follicle often make follicular tumours difficult to under- stand to the beginners in the field, and sometimes result in considerable diagnostic difficulties for the practicing pathologist. General diagnostic considerations The most important diagnostic task is to determine whether a follicular tumour is benign or malignant and, if malignant, whether it is prone to recur or metastasize (fortunately, the latter being quite rare). Architectural (infiltrative vs. circumscribed) and cytological features (high mitotic count, pleomorphism) are quite useful for this categorization, yet not sufficient alone without a thorough knowledge of specific entities. Hair anatomy/embryology-based classification of follicular tumours facilitates the diagnosis because the nomenclature of follicular tumours is descriptive and sometimes inconsistent. It is a classification that categorizes the entities based on the anatomic part of the follicle whose morphology they recapitulate. There are essentially four parts of the follicle from deep to su- perficial: the hair bulb, the suprabulbar zone (the stem), the isthmus and the infundibulum.2 The suprabulbar zone extends between the bulb and the insertion of arrector pili muscle. It is followed by the isthmus whose upper limit is the opening of the sebaceous duct. The infundibulum is the uppermost part of the follicle, spanning the distance between the sebaceous duct opening and the epidermal surface. There are several classifications3,4 which are fundamentally quite similar, with most differences being in the number of cat- egories. For the purpose of this review, we will use a relatively simple division into 5 categories, based on the predominant pattern of differentiation, starting from the most superficial part of the follicle: - tumours with infundibular differentiation - tumours with isthmic differentiation - tumours with trichilemmal (outer root sheath of the hair stem bulb) differentiation - tumours with hair bulb (matrical and biphasic) differentiation - tumours with panfollicular differentiation. Tumours with infundibular differentiation The infundibulum is characterized by epidermal-resembling keratinocytes (containing a palisaded basal layer, a spinous and a granular layer) and laminated keratin. We will focus on trichoadenoma, as other entities in this group are cysts or hamartomas and not truly neoplastic (dilated pore, naevus comedonicus). Trichoadenoma, also called “trichoadenoma of Nikolowski”,5 is a collection of keratinous dermal cysts, typically well- circumbscribed, with little variation in cyst size (Figure 1). It bears an adenoma-like architecture on scanning power, but has no glandular components and is clearly not an adenoma. Cysts are filled with laminated infundibular keratin, and the epithelium contains all epidermal layers. Occasionally, the epithelium may be composed of pale pink isthmus-like cells and the keratin is more compact, or the surface of cysts is somewhat crenulated resembling the sebaceous duct. A foreign-body granulomatous reaction surrounding the cysts is frequent. The tumour is entirely benign in behaviour. The main differential diagnoses are microcystic adnexal car- cinoma (MAC) and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE). Some MACs are associated with larger cysts containing laminated keratin, resembling trichoadenoma at first glance; however, MAC is a deeply infiltrative tumour with desmoplasia that shows a substantial proportion of tumour strands and solid cell aggre- gates. Care should be taken to avoid this misdiagnosis, as treat- ment for MAC requires extensive surgery. DTE shows some cysts with infundibular-type keratin. However, follicular germ papilla- like structures are also identified and the stroma in the back- ground is desmoplastic. Tumours with isthmic differentiation The isthmic portion of the follicle is characterized by an outer palisaded layer and 4e5 inner layers of pink keratinocytes without a well-developed granular cell layer, while the keratin is Zlatko Maru si c MD PhD Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. Conflicts of interest: none declared. Eduardo Calonje MD Dip RCPath Director of Diagnostic Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatopathology, St John’s Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 128 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 2. compact and homogenous (so-called “trichilemmal”), as opposed to laminated infundibular keratin. Tumours with isthmic differentiation include the tumour of the follicular infundibulum (anatomically, a misnomer), pilar sheath acanthoma and proliferating trichilemmal cyst (pilar tumour). Tumour of the follicular infundibulum (TFI)6 most frequently presents as a solitary scaled nodule in the head and neck of middle-aged and elderly persons. On histology, it is a fenestrated proliferation of keratinocytes with isthmic features, connected to the epidermis (Figure 2a). The epithelial strands that outline fenestrations are often arranged parallel to the skin surface. The behaviour is benign. Dermal induction changes accompanying dermatofibroma and epithelial fenestrations in fibroepithelioma of Pinkus may resemble TFI. In cases with underlying dermatofibroma, TFI should not be diagnosed. Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus is distin- guished from TFI based on its hair germ differentiation. Pilar sheath acanthoma (PSA)7 presents as a solitary small nodule with a central keratin pore, characteristically on the upper lip. Histologically, there is a cystic central indentation with infundibular appearance surrounded by well-circumscribed nodules of isthmic keratinocytes containing trichilemmal kera- tin (Figure 2b). Its behaviour is entirely benign. Trichofolliculoma architecturally resembles PSA, but it shows more lines of differentiation (panfollicular differentiation). Sometimes, the central cystic part is not present in the sections due to orientation/tangentional sectioning. When the latter happens, well-circumscribed nodules with isthmic keratinocytes surrounding compact keratin should allow for the diagnosis of PSA to be made. Proliferating trichilemmal cyst (PTC, synonym ¼ pilar tumour) shows scalp predilection (around 90% of cases) and a marked female predominance.8 Its biologic potential spans from benign (majority of cases) towards atypical/low grade, and rare higher grade tumours. They are slowly growing, usually solitary, often large and multinodular, with deep extension. Some cases exhibit substantial ulceration and a rather dramatic clinical appearance. Histology suggests development from a simple tri- chilemmal cyst in many cases. Architecturally, lobulated solid tumor foci predominate over the cystic component. In benign cases, tumour outlines are smooth, pushing, without infiltrative growth (Figure 2c). There is typically no granular cell layer and central keratin is compact and homogeneous. Epithelial glycogen accumulation can be seen, as well as a foreign body-type reaction in the surrounding connective tissue. A smaller proportion of cases have some malignant potential. In the largest study to assess malignant potential so far, Ye et al.9 stratified 76 pilar tumour cases with follow-up into three groups. The first group, consisting of tumours with moderate atypia, typical pushing growth and no invasive features showed entirely benign behaviour. The second group exhibited some locally infiltrative dermal/subcutaneous growth (no neural/vascular involvement or significant atypia) and had local recurrence in 15% of cases. Third group were tumours that showed marked nuclear atypia, atypical mitoses, necrosis and infiltrative growth pattern (including but not limited to cases with neural and vascular involvement). They were the least frequent and showed higher rates (50%) of recurrence/regional lymph node metas- tasis. In this case series no distant metastases were recorded. There have been some convincing reports describing extremely rare death from metastases10 ; however, there are also several sporadic reports of visceral metastasis that lack convincing his- tological depiction. Tumours with trichilemmal differentiation For the purpose of this review, “trichilemmal” refers to differ- entiation recapitulating the outer root sheath of the hair stem bulb. It is characterized by several layers of cells with pale to clear, glycogenated cytoplasm, surrounded by a palisaded cell layer with nuclei oriented opposite to a brightly eosinophilic basement membrane. Trichilemmoma can be solitary or multiple. Multiple trichi- lemmomas are diagnostic of Cowden syndrome, an autosomal dominant multiple hamartoma syndrome associated with germ- line mutations in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene.11 Individuals with Cowden syndrome carry an increased risk of breast, thy- roid, uterine and other malignancies. Besides multiple trichi- lemmomas, the condition is also characterized by a host of cutaneous lesions such as multiple acrochorda, acral keratosis, dermal hyperneury and vitiligo. Oral cavity is frequently affected, imparting a characteristic, diffuse cobblestone mucosal appear- ance. Solitary trichilemmoma is most frequent in the head and neck, especially the central part of face. It is composed of peripherally palisading clear cells with epidermal/hair follicle connection and smooth contours outlined by a brightly eosino- philic basement membrane (Figure 3a). Trichilemmoma is practically the only cutaneous epithelial tumour known to diffusely express CD34, which can be important in the differen- tial diagnosis. Desmoplastic trichilemmoma12 is a variant that has no asso- ciation with Cowden syndrome. It is very important because it is a mimicker of malignancy. The periphery of the lesion looks like a typical trichilemmoma, while the center is sclerosed, composed of narrow and irregular epithelial cords embedded in a densely hyalinized PAS-positive, diastase-resistant stroma (Figure 3b). The cells in the desmoplastic areas have a more squamoid appearance. Due to its infiltrative growth, desmoplastic trichilemmoma needs to be distinguished from trichilemmal, squamous and basal cell carcinoma. The pseudo-infiltrative part of desmoplastic trichilemmoma is central, not peripheral as in carcinomas, the Figure 1 Trichoadenoma. Multiple dermal cysts filled with infundibular- type keratin. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 129 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 3. epithelial cords are surrounded by hyalinized stroma and do not exhibit true cytological atypia. Additionally, the periphery ex- hibits typical trichilemmoma features. In doubtful cases, espe- cially in shave biopsies, CD34 can be very useful in the distinction, as carcinomas are negative for this marker. However, caution is necessary as some or most of the squamoid cells in the desmoplastic area can be negative for CD34. Classical trichi- lemmoma is most commonly confused with eccrine tumours such as hidroacanthoma simplex and eccrine poroma. Lack of ductal differentiation (which can be confirmed by negative reaction for EMA and CEA) and presence of trichilemmal dif- ferentiation should allow distinction to be made. Trichilemmal carcinoma (TC) is regarded by some au- thors13,14 as a clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma, and the original concept proposed by Headington15 is contested. However, the neoplasm is recognized in the WHO classification of skin tumours. TC is relatively rare and found in the sun- exposed skin of the elderly. Histologically, it shows a lobular growth of atypical, PAS-positive clear cells with occasional sub- nuclear vacuolization and connection to hair follicles, but no Figure 2 a) Tumour of the follicular infundibulum. Anastomosing epithelial strands connected to the epidermis; (inset) isthmic-type epithelium. b) Pilar sheath acanthoma. Nodules of isthmic-type epithelium with central keratin (inset). c) Proliferating trichilemmal tumour. Well-circumscribed, predominantly solid tumour with central trichilemmal keratin; (inset) homogeneous keratin and isthmic-type epithelium. Figure 3 a) Trichilemomma. Warty architecture with hyperkeratosis; (inlet) trichilemmal differentiation in the form of clear, peripherally palisading cells surrounded by a thickened basement membrane. b) Desmoplastic trichilemmoma. Outline of typical trichilemomma with a sclerotic center; (inset) central part, narrow epithelial cords in a hyalinized stroma. c) Trichilemmal carcinoma. Nodules composed of atypical cells with trichilemmal differentiation. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 130 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 4. thickening of the basement membrane (Figure 3c). Nucleoli are prominent, mitoses are frequent, and there are foci of trichi- lemmal keratinization. There can be focal CD34 expression, consistent with outer root sheath differentiation. TC typically exhibits low-grade behaviour, therefore a tumor-free margin is very important. TC needs to be distinguished from desmoplastic trichi- lemmoma, and also from clear cell hidradenocarcinoma. The latter is more aggressive in behavior and shows ductal differen- tiation highlighted by CEA and/or EMA staining. Desmoplastic trichilemmoma lacks pleomorphism and mitoses exhibited by TC. Tumours with hair bulb differentiation The hair bulb consists of a crescent-shaped epithelial part - the matrix, which encases a central collection of mesenchymal cells - the follicular papilla. A layer of palisading follicular germinative epithelial cells in close association to papilla mesenchymal cells is found at the matrix/papilla interface. Tumours recapitulating the hair bulb can be divided into 2 categories. One represents the matrix (pilomatrixoma, melanocytic matricoma), and the other is biphasic epithelial/mesenchymal (trichoepithelioma, tricho- blastoma), corresponding to the juxtaposed follicular germina- tive and mesenchymal cells of the papilla. Pilomatricoma16 is usually encountered in children and young adults in the head/neck, trunk and upper limbs. Most pilomatricomas are solitary. Multiple pilomatricomas have been documented in patients with Gardner syndrome, Turner syn- drome, and a host of other very rare syndromes17 It is usually multilobulated, dermal, occasionally subcutaneous. There are two cell populations - small and uniform basaloid cells with larger vesicular nuclei, and eosinophilic “ghost” cells with pyknotic or faintly visible/absent nuclei (Figure 4a). Basaloid cells predominate in early lesions. They occupy the periphery and gradually transform into central ghost cells. Mitotic activity is usually brisk and this should not be regarded as a sign of malignancy. Foreign-body type histiocytic reaction and central calcification can be encountered. The latter is especially frequent in late lesions, with true osseous metaplasia and formation of marrow spaces particularly in long-standing tumours. Prolifer- ating pilomatricoma is defined as a variant in which basaloid cells make the bulk of the tumour with hardly any or only a small proportion of ghost cells. Melanocytic matricoma1 is a rare tumour with bulb differ- entiation, melanin deposits and numerous pigmented dendrocytic melanocytes. It bears some resemblance to piloma- tricoma, with less prominent ghost cells. Pilomatrical carcinoma (Figure 4c) is found in same anatomic sites and older population than pilomatricoma. A number of reported cases are likely to represent misdiagnosed early pilomatricomas with brisk mitotic activity. Features suspi- cious for malignancy are large size, deep/infiltrative growth, confluent tumour necrosis, venous, lymphatic or perineural in- vasion. Interestingly, both pilomatricoma and pilomatrical car- cinoma exhibit mutations in the beta-catenin gene CTNNB1.18 It appears that most cases pilomatrical carcinoma are low grade tumours, with rare metastases that are usually limited to the lymph node drainage area. However, a handful of cases reported in the literature have been associated with distant metastases.19 Trichoepithelioma and trichoblastoma. These tumours show substantial morphological overlap and it has even been sug- gested that all neoplasms in this category should be classified as trichoblastomas. In general, “trichoepithelioma” is used for more superficial sporadic tumours and multiple small tumours located on the face that are part of the Brooke-Spiegler syndrome. Trichoepithelioma is usually limited to the upper portion of the reticular dermis and may show occasional epidermal connection. It is composed of small lobules and infundibular keratocysts lined by basaloid, peripherally palisading cells which are cytologically essentially indistinguishable from BCC cells (Figure 5a). The surrounding stroma is generally more pro- nounced than in BCC, recapitulating “papillary mesenchymal bodies”, i.e. mesenchymal nodules forming the follicular hair germ papilla. Multiple trichoepitheliomas occur as small papules in the central face, characteristically occupying nasolabial folds, cheeks, eyebrows or eyelids. They are found in multiple familial trichoepithelioma setting as an isolated finding, or accompanying cylindromas/spiradenomas in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome. Multi- ple familial trichoepithelioma is actually a phenotypic variant of Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, as they share both clinical/pathologic features and CYLD mutations.20 Rombo syndrome is a rare syn- drome that may present with multiple trichoepitheliomas in combination with milia, vermiculate atrophy, BCC, vellus hair cysts, peripheral vasodilatation, and cyanosis.1 The main differential diagnosis for trichoepithelioma is BCC. Formation of papillary mesenchymal bodies points to trichoepi- thelioma, while ulceration, connection to the epidermis, peri- tumoural clefts and mucin deposition argue for BCC. Numerous Figure 4 a) Pilomatricoma. Proliferation of peripheral basaloid and central ghost cells; (inset) interface between two cell populations. b) Pilomatrical carcinoma. Poorly differentiated carcinoma with ulcerated surface, composed of basaloid cells; (inset) a high power view highlighting ghost cells surrounded by atypical basaloid cells with numerous mitoses. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 131 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 5. studies have tried to utilize various panels of immunohisto- chemical markers, such as CD34, CD10, epithelial membrane antigen, bcl-2, cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 20 and D2-40 to aid in the distinction, with inconclusive results.21 If histological distinction cannot reliably be made on a superficial shave biopsy, it is prudent to recommend complete excision of the lesion. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) shows some specific morphological and differential diagnostic features compared to conventional trichoepithelioma. It is usually a small and super- ficial papule with a central dimple located on the face of young adults. Lesions are superficial, fairly circumscribed and charac- terized by superficial infundibular keratocysts with focal calcifi- cation and thin strands of epithelial basaloid cells lacking peripheral palisading, embedded in a desmoplastic stroma (Figure 5b). Perineural involvement has rarely been reported in DTE22 that should not be equated with malignancy or lead to overtreatment. The main differential diagnoses which can be extremely challenging in superficial partial biopsies, include morphoeic BCC (mBCC) and microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC). DTE does not show any peripheral palisading, retraction artefact, prominent mitotic activity or ulceration found in mBCC and contains keratocysts, unlike mBCC. DTE can also be distin- guished from mBCC by the presence of scattered CK20-positive Merkel cells in tumour strands and negativity for androgen re- ceptors. BerEP4 is not useful in the differential, being usually positive in both. DTE is never as infiltrative as MAC, even in the cases with perineural invasion described by McNiff et al.22 In addition, MAC usually does not exhibit superficial calcified ker- atocysts. Evidence of ductal differentiation in MAC by CEA/EMA staining, if present, can exclude DTE. A combination of CK15 and CK19 may also be used in the differential, as the immunoprofile is CK15þ/CK19- in DTE and CK15-/CK19þ in MAC.23 Trichoblastoma has a predilection for the head and neck, trunk, genital/perianal region and proximal extremities. It can be large (3 cm or more), is well-circumscribed and occupies the entire dermis with occasional subcutaneous involvement. It has follicular hair germ differentiation, i.e. has both epithelial and mesenchymal component. The epithelial component grows in larger/smaller nodules, cribriform or trabecular structures, sur- rounded by specialized mesenchymal cells resembling the cells of follicular papilla (Figure 5c). Conventional BCCs do not show such typical epithelial/mesenchymal juxtaposition and marked peri-epithelial mesenchymal cell condensation. Trichoblastoma follows a benign course. Interestingly, Requena et al. recently described a multiple facial plaque trichoblastoma variant of presumed hereditary aetiology, but were unable to track down an underlying genetic alteration.24 Malignant variants may occur and are described below. Cutaneous lymphadenoma25 (synonym adamantoid tricho- blastoma) is a characteristic morphological subtype of tricho- blastoma. It is well-delineated, un-encapsulated, with nests of large clear cells that are surrounded by peripheral palisading cells, infiltrated by numerous lymphocytes and embedded in a dense fibrous stroma. It should not be confused with lymphoe- pithelial carcinoma of the skin, an epithelial malignancy heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. Malignant trichoblastoma can have a malignant epithelial (trichoblastic carcinoma) or mesenchymal (trichoblastic sar- coma) component, or a combination of the two (trichoblastic carcinosarcoma) (Figure 5d). All of them affect the elderly. Sarcomatous transformation is even less frequent than carci- nomatous transformation, with only a handful of cases described so far.26 “Trichoblastic carcinoma” has been used by the late Bernard Ackerman as a synonym for BCC3 ; however, Figure 5 a) Trichoepithelioma. Superficially-centered tumour composed of small germinative nests; (inset) formation of abortive hair germ structures. b) Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. Superficial, non-infiltrative tumour composed of cords, small nests and calcified microcysts sur- rounded by a dense fibrous stroma. c) Trichoblastoma. Nests resembling hair germ structures surrounded by characteristic mesenchymal component. d) Trichoblastic carcinosarcoma. Tumour harbouring both epithelial and mesenchymal malignant components; (inset) high power view showing atypia in the mesenchymal component as well as brisk mitoses in the epithelial component. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 132 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 6. we and other authors use it for malignant transformation of trichoblastoma. The most important diagnostic feature of ma- lignant trichoblastoma is its grade. Low grade tumours resemble trichoblastoma but have infiltrative growth, involving deep soft tissue or skeletal muscle; high grade trichoblastic carcinomas show high grade cytomorphology together with infiltrative growth. The data on these two tumour types is limited, but it seems that low grade tumours exhibit only local recurrence, while high grade tumours may result in metastasis and death.27 As Brooke-Spiegler syndrome has been mentioned in this section, we will also refer to Birt-Hogg-Dub e (BHD) syndrome,28 a rare autosomal-dominant genodermatosis characterized by numerous, discrete 1e5 mm skin-coloured papules on the head and neck. It is caused by mutations in the FLCN gene29 that simultaneously carry predisposition for renal tumours, pulmo- nary cysts, bullous emphysema and spontaneous pneumothorax. Histology of the papules corresponds to fibrofolliculoma, a cir- cumscribed proliferation of loose connective tissue around a well-formed follicle, and trichodiscoma, a collection of loosely- woven, follicle-associated connective tissue with admixed thin- and thick-walled blood vessels. Tumours with panfollicular differentiation Several differentiation lines can be found to a small extent in various follicular tumours; in tumours with panfollicular differ- entiation, it is a rule and it is generally quite pronounced. They are therefore considered hamartomatous by most authors. Trichofolliculoma30 usually presents in the head and neck as a small (0.5e1 cm), solitary flesh-coloured nodule. One or more central white silky hairs can be seen growing from the nodule. On histology, a central cystic cavity is lined by infundibular type epithelium, and contains keratinous debris/shredded hairs. Numerous hair follicles with various anatomic lines of differen- tiation are spreading from the lining of the cavity towards the surrounding dermis (Figure 6). Trichofolliculoma not only re- capitulates various anatomical lines of differentiation, but also different phases of follicle growth (anagen, catagen, telogen). Its behaviour is entirely benign. An extremely rare tumour called panfolliculoma can be included in this group because it shows multiple elements of the hair follicle, yet it predominantly resembles trichoblastoma with areas of more mature follicular differentiation. A REFERENCES 1 Scolyer RA, Armstrong B, Berti E. Keratinocytic/epidermal tu- mours: Introduction. In: Elder DE, Massi D, Scolyer R, Willemze R, eds. WHO classification of skin tumours. 4th Edition. Lyon: IARC Press, 2018; 24. 2 Restrepo R, Calonje E. Diseases of the hair. In: Calonje JE, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, McKee PH, eds. McKee’s pathology of the skin. 4th Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2011; 972e9. 3 Kazakov DV. Lesions with predominant follicular differentiation. In: Kazakov DV, McKee PH, Michal M, Kacerovska D, eds. Cuta- neous adnexal tumors. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams Wil- kins, 2012; 173e5. 4 Ackerman BA, Reddy VB, Soyer PH. Neoplasms with follicular differentiation. New York, NY: Ardor Scribendi, 2001; 1109. 5 Nikolowski W. [Trichoadenoma (organoid follicular hamartoma)]. Arch Klin Exp Dermatol 1958; 207: 34e45. 6 Mehregan AH, Butler JD. A tumor of follicular infundibulum. Report of a case. Arch Dermatol 1961; 83: 924e7. 7 Mehregan AH, Brownstein MH. Pilar sheath acanthoma. Arch Dermatol 1978; 114: 1495e7. 8 Wilson-Jones E. Proliferating epidermoid cysts. Arch Dermatol 1966; 94: 11e9. 9 Ye J, Nappi O, Swanson PE, Patterson JW, Wick MR. Proliferating pilar tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 76 cases with a proposal for definition of benign and malignant variants. Am J Clin Pathol 2004; 122: 566e74. 10 Folpe AL, Reisenauer AK, Mentzel T, R€ utten A, Solomon AR. Proliferating trichilemmal tumors: clinicopathologic evaluation is a guide to biologic behavior. J Cutan Pathol 2003; 30: 492e8. 11 Mester J, Eng C. Cowden syndrome: recognizing and managing a not-so-rare hereditary cancer syndrome. J Surg Oncol 2015; 111: 125e30. 12 Hunt SJ, Kilzer B, Santa Cruz DJ. Desmoplastic trichilemmoma: histologic variant resembling invasive carcinoma. J Cutan Pathol 1990; 17: 45e52. 13 Dalton SR, LeBoit PE. Squamous cell carcinoma with clear cells: how often is there evidence of tricholemmal differentiation? Am J Dermatopathol 2008; 30: 333e9. 14 Misago N, Ackerman AB. New quandary: tricholemmal carci- noma? Dermatopathol Pract Conceptual 1999; 5: 463e73. Figure 6 Trichofolliculoma. Symmetrical cystic indentation giving rise to numerous small follicles that show several lines of follicular differentiation. Practice points C Follicular tumours are rare and the terminology is confusing C A tumour classification based on anatomical lines of follicular differentiation is useful C Follicular tumour diagnosis may seem difficult, but is achievable with proper knowledge of the classification C Mitotic activity or infiltrative growth do not equal malignancy. Knowledge on which benign entities may display such features is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis C Multiple follicular tumours can be associated with genetic cancer tumour syndromes MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 133 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).
  • 7. 15 Headington JT. Tumors of the hair follicle. A review. Am J Pathol 1976; 85: 479e514. 16 Malherbe A, Chenantais J. Note sur l’ epithelioma calcifie des glandes sebacees. Prog Med 1880; 8: 826e8. 17 Grabczynska SA, Budny P, Calonje E, Ratnavel R. Case 3: mul- tiple familial pilomatrixoma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 343e4. 18 Lazar AJ, Calonje E, Grayson W, et al. Pilomatrix carcinomas contain mutations in CTNNB1, the gene encoding beta-catenin. J Cutan Pathol 2005; 32: 148e57. 19 Arslan D, G€ und€ uz S, Avci F, et al. Pilomatrix carcinoma of the scalp with pulmonary metastasis: a case report of a complete response to oral endoxan and etoposide. Oncol Lett 2014; 7: 1959e61. 20 Bowen S, Gill M, Lee DA, et al. Mutations in the CYLD gene in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, familial cylindromatosis, and multiple familial trichoepithelioma: lack of genotype-phenotype correla- tion. J Investig Dermatol 2005; 124: 919e20. 21 Tebcherani AJ, de Andrade Jr HF, Sotto MN. Diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry in distinguishing trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma: evaluation using tissue microarray samples. Mod Pathol 2012; 25: 1345e53. 22 Jedrych J, Leffell D, McNiff JM. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma with perineural involvement: a series of seven cases. J Cutan Pathol 2012; 39: 317e23. 23 Sellheyer K, Nelson P, Kutzner H, Patel RM. The immunohisto- chemical differential diagnosis of microcystic adnexal carcinoma, desmoplastic trichoepithelioma and morpheaform basal cell car- cinoma using BerEP4 and stem cell markers. J Cutan Pathol 2013; 40: 363e70. 24 Requena C, Requena L, Kazakov DV, et al. Multiple facial plaque variant of trichoblastoma. J Cutan Pathol 2019; 46: 285e9. 25 Santa Cruz DJ, Barr RJ, Headington JT. Cutaneous lymphade- noma. Am J Surg Pathol 1991; 15: 101e10. 26 Kazakov DV, Vittay G, Michal M, Calonje E. High-grade tricho- blastic carcinosarcoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2008; 30: 62e4. 27 Regauer S, Beham-Schmid C, Okcu M, Hartner E, Mannweiler S. Trichoblastic carcinoma (”malignant trichoblastoma“) with lymphatic and hematogenous metastases. Mod Pathol 2000; 13: 673e8. 28 Birt AR, Hogg GR, Dub e WJ. Hereditary multiple fibrofolliculomas with trichodiscomas and acrochordons. Arch Dermatol 1977; 113: 1674e7. 29 Khoo SK, Bradley M, Wong FK, et al. Birt-Hogg-Dub e syndrome: mapping of a novel hereditary neoplasia gene to chromosome 17p12-q11.2. Oncogene 2001; 20: 5239e42. 30 Miescher G. Un cas de trichofolliculome. Dermatologica 1944; 89: 193e4. MINI-SYMPOSIUM: DERMATOPATHOLOGY DIAGNOSTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY 26:3 134 Ó 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/4.0/).