Pilomatrixoma.

Abstract

Pilomatrixoma, a benign tumor deriving from the hair sheath is histologically the most frequent tumor of childhood (2, 5).
In our histological series females prevail and 42% of cases occur in the first 12 years. Its mean diameter is about 1.2 cm (1). However, there is no relation between size and prognosis (4), as the literature reports tumors larger than 15 cm, that did not recur after removal (3). The palpation sign is characteristic, being reminiscent of a faceted stone. The tumor, which has stone consistency and irregular shape and surface, is painless and movable on the superficial and deep layers, except for the inflamed lesions. The inflammation is associated with increase in size, with return to normal within a few months. As the clinical diagnosis is easy and sure, its removal can be delayed waiting for the possibility of local anesthesia.