Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland: A rare entity

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a rare benign salivary gland tumor accounting for only 1-2% of all salivary gland tumors. We report a case of a 50-year-old man presenting a BCA of the parotid gland. A pleomorphic adenoma was initially suspected based on radiological features and fine needle aspiration cytology findings (FNAC).

Case Report: Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case Report

The upper aerodigestive tract is where basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), a rare variation of conventional SCC, is most frequently found. The hypopharynx, tonsil, supraglottic larynx, tongue (base), and head-neck regions are particularly susceptible to BSCC. Clinically, the presentation of BSCC is similar to that of conventional SCC, but it has a poorer prognosis than conventional SCC. BSCC is distinguished histopathologically by a dimorphic pattern, a distinctive basal cell component paired with a squamous component, and a squamous component. However, its similar features to conventional SCC make it difficult to diagnose. Therefore, histopathology and immunohistochemistry play a crucial role in diagnosing such tumors. Here we present the case of a 70-year-old male diagnosed with BSCC involving the tongue.

Pilomatrixoma of the Arm: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Pilomatrixoma (PMX), also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a rare benign neoplasm that arises from the hair matrix cells, commonly in the head, neck, and upper trunk regions, infrequently affecting upper and lower extremities. It has to two peaks of presentation: under 20 years of age or between 50 and 65 years of age, slightly more common in females. The neoplasm exhibits diverse clinical manifestations and is frequently subject to misdiagnosis with alternative dermatological diseases. We present an atypical case of PMX affecting the upper extremity of a 62-year-old female patient. Surgical removal of the affected tissue under local anesthesia was performed, and subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of PMX. Based on the literature search we performed, we found out that this pathology is underreported in Jordan, with only one study published describing this tumor in the maxillofacial region. Physicians should be aware of this condition and its different presentations to include it in the differential diagnosis of suspected cases to provide the appropriate management and follow-up.

Cytomorphological spectrum of pilomatricoma - A series of 28 cases

BACKGROUND

Pilomatricoma is a benign tumour that originates in the outer sheath of the hair follicle root. The clinical diagnosis of this rare entity is often missed, possibly due to a lack of awareness. Its characteristic cytomorphological features are sheets of ghost cells, basaloid cells, calcification and foreign body giant cell reaction. However, the above features may not all be present in all cases, rendering cytological diagnosis difficult.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included all cases of pilomatricoma diagnosed on fine needle aspiration over a period of 4 years. The histopathological diagnosis was retrieved for the cases wherever possible. A detailed histopathological and cytological evaluation was performed for the various components-basaloid cells, ghost cells, calcified debris, foreign body giant cells, bare nuclei, neutrophils, and macrophages-and they were graded on a scale of 0 to 3+.

RESULTS

The 28 cases included 8 female and 20 male patients with a mean age of 34.6 years. Most cases (22 cases; 78.6%) were located in the head and neck, with the scalp being the most common site. Twenty-five cases were cytologically diagnosed as pilomatricoma based on a variable admixture of the various components-nests of basaloid cells, ghost cells, foreign body giant cell reaction, calcified debris and viable squamous cells. However, in two cases which showed an absence of basaloid cells, a differential diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst was also included. Another case showed a predominance of basaloid cells with a paucity of ghost cells, so a differential diagnosis of adnexal tumour was also included. Among all the cytological parameters, sheets of ghost cells followed by nests of basaloid cells and foreign body giant cell reaction had the highest sensitivity in the cytological diagnosis of pilomatricoma.

CONCLUSION

The presence of sheets of ghost cells is the most sensitive parameter for the cytological diagnosis of pilomatricoma. It is important that pilomatricoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous masses, particularly in the head and neck region.

Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus in continuity with nodular basal cell carcinoma: A rare presentation

Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are different morphological variants of BCC. It is very rare to see both the variants together in a single lesion. Here we report a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with a nodule on the trunk, which on biopsy showed features of both nodular BCC and fibroepithelioma of Pinkus.

Photoletter to the editor: Proliferating pilomatricoma with no recurrence during a 3-year follow-up

Proliferating pilomatricoma is a proliferative variant of pilomatricoma. Although it is considered as a benign tumor, local recurrence may occur. We report a case of a 49-year-old Japanese man with 3-year history of an asymptomatic subcutaneous tumor in the nuchal area. Histological evaluation demonstrated a cystic lesion lined by a basaloid epithelium at the periphery and filled with eosinophilic cornified material containing shadow cells in upper part of the tumor, and multilobular proliferation of basaloid cells in association with small foci of shadow cells in the remaining part. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of proliferating pilomatricoma was made. No recurrence has been observed during a 3-year follow-up.