Cornu cutaneum in the maxillofacial region – A case report

Abstract

Cornu cutaneum are horn-like skin protrusions comprised of dense keratin. They differ from animal horns in a sense that cornu cutaneum do not have a central bone. The lesions may develop in any part of the body, with 30% of the lesions occurring in the head and neck region. Although they are considered benign lesions, they are characteristically associated with pre-malignant or malignant lesions such as squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, basal cell carcinoma and Kaposi sarcoma. The aim of this clinical case report is to review a case of cornu cutaneum of the face associated with a papillary squamous cell carcinoma in a 72-year-old female We reviewed a case of cornu cutaneum of the left pre auricular area of the face with a 5-year history. The lesion was asymptomatic, measured 6cm in length and was resected under general anaesthetic with wide margins. The histopathological examination showed papillary a squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the lesion. As the lesions are benign and the nearest margin was 9mm, no further adjunct therapy was instituted. Although considered a benign lesion, cornu cutaneum is invariably associated with malignant lesions such as squamous cell carcinoma. Similarly, our case was associated with a papillary squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the lesion. As per current standards, the lesion was resected with wide margins