Pilomatrixoma as a diagnostic problem: the Edinburgh experience.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the paediatric experience in Edinburgh of a relatively benign skin tumour. The study group consisted of children less than 13 years of age with a pathological diagnosis of pilomatrixoma over the period between January 1980 and December 1989. The results reaffirmed a female preponderance. The majority of lesions had been present for less than 1 year at the time of removal but were mainly misdiagnosed at the time of primary consultation or at removal. Although pilomatrixoma has a 'typical' appearance pathologically there are problems with preoperative diagnosis. Sites of occurrence are comparable with the dermoid type of cyst and the possibility must be considered of an embryological origin for pilomatrixoma.