Massive Pilomatrixoma of the Scalp: A Case Report

Abstract

Pilomatrixoma, also called epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign neoplasm derived from hair follicle matrix cells. It usually presents as a solitary mass in the head and neck region and is more frequent in children and young adults, females, and the Caucasian population. Lesions equal to or greater than 5 cm are categorized as giant pilomatrixomas. We present a case of a 75-year-old female, with no known medical history, who was brought to the emergency department (ED) after falling on the street. She had a giant soft head tissue tumor, severe anemia due to intralesional chronic small hemorrhages and folates and cobalamin deficiencies, and delirant speech. The anatomopathological result of the biopsy of the tumor revealed to be a pilomatrixoma. The patient was then referred to plastic surgery, with complete excision of the tumor. After surgery, she was transferred to the psychiatric team, who assumed the delirant speech to be in the context of schizophrenia. She was discharged four months after admission.