Diagnosis of Atypical Molluscum Contagiosum: The Utility of a Squash Preparation

Abstract

A 4-year-old boy was referred to the outpatient dermatology clinic for two growths on his scalp. The first lesion had been present on the vertex scalp for six months and was asymptomatic except for recent inflammation and drainage of white exudate. A second growth developed on the patient's posterior parietal scalp in recent weeks and reportedly resembled the original appearance of the initial lesion. Review of systems was negative, and the parents denied any affected close contacts. There had been no intervention to the lesions. On examination, the vertex of the scalp revealed a 0.3 cm hemorrhagic crusted papule with surrounding desquamation and minimal surrounding erythema. The left posterior parietal scalp had a 0.2 cm

Molluscum contagiosum simulating a sebaceous cyst: a rare presentation

“…19 The lesions are confirmed by demonstration of enlarged epithelial cells within intra cytoplasmic molluscum bodies. Use of electron microscopy, in-situ DNA hybridization and fluorescent antibody testing are other useful diagnostic modalities.…”

Squash cytology: A simple, bedside test for quick diagnosis of atypical presentations of Molluscum Contagiosum

“…4 These cytological findings of Molluscum Contagiosum are substantial and do not require other confirmatory investigations as seen in other studies. 5 Hence, they can be used to make a definitive diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum even in clinically ambiguous cases like ours. Squash cytology may also be used to exclude the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum, as demonstrated by Ghigliotti et al where cytology was used to demonstrate cutaneous cryptococcosis.…”

“…Squash preparation for cytological sampling is an easy OPD procedure. 5 For the squash preparation, first, the central content is removed with a 19-gauge needle or a comedone extractor, as demonstrated by Eleftheriou et al 5 Two glass slides are used to squash the extracted specimen between them. The upper slide is removed and the bottom slide is air dried.…”

Bioactive Compounds as Potential Agents for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management: A Review to Explore Molecular Mechanisms of Action

“…The appearance of characteristic lesions is important for diagnosis, but in the case of atypical lesions or immunocompromised patients, the biopsy of the lesion should be done to rule out malignancy ( Van Der Wouden et al, 2017 ). In the biopsy specimen, Henderson-Patterson bodies or molluscum bodies are important for diagnosis ( Eleftheriou et al, 2011 ). The lesion may spread with shaving and scratching and a bacterial superimposed infection may occur ( Desruelles et al, 2013 ).…”