Proliferating trichilemmal tumors: CT and MR imaging findings in two cases, one with malignant transformation

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2001 Jan;22(1):180-3.

Abstract

We report the imaging findings in two patients with proliferating trichilemmal tumors. In the first patient, the tumor arose on the lower lip, a very unusual location for this type of tumor, and showed malignant transformation with metastasis to a regional lymph node. It was seen as a poorly marginated soft-tissue mass with isointense signal on T1-weighted MR images and hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images. Large areas of high signal intensity caused by necrosis were also found within the tumor on T2-weighted images. After i.v. administration of contrast material, the mass showed significant enhancement, with considerable portions remaining unenhanced. In the second patient, the tumor originated from a preexisting trichilemmal cyst and occurred in the hair-bearing area of the posterior part of the neck. CT scans showed a well-encapsulated cystic mass that contained multiple speckled calcifications in a wall of variable thickness. There were several foci of smooth soft-tissue elevations from the inner wall of the mass, which corresponded histologically to proliferating portions of trichilemmal cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Female
  • Hair Follicle*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lip*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Basal Cell / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*