[Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma (pilomatrixoma)]

Abstract

Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma (pilomatrixoma)--is a rare, benign tumor of hair matrix.

Purpose: Of this study is to present the clinical variability of epithelioma, pathomorfological appearance of the tumor and the views on its pathogenesis.

Results: Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma has a very different, sometimes unusual appearance, similar to other, more frequent laesions. Due to this fact and the rarity of the tumor it is sometimes overlooked in diagnostic considerations, or confused with more common tumors. Genetic analysis at this stage, allows to establish a probable causal relationship between mutations in the beta-catenins coding gene and development of pilomatrixoma. Extremely rare epithelioma may undergo transformation into pilomatrix carcinoma.

Conclusions: The only reliable criterion of diagnosis remains pathological evaluation which despite the deceptive macroscopic appearance of the tumor provides correct diagnosis.