Pilomatrixoma Localized in the Right Preauricular Region

Pilomatrixoma is a benign appendageal tumor derived from hair matrix cells which is also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malharbe. It usually appears as a solitary, asymptomatic, firm nodule. It is most common on the face and neck, but is occasionally found somewhere else on the body. It is mostly seen in children and young adults up to 20 years of age. The definite diagnosis is made histopathologically. A 19-year-old female was referred to dermatology clinic with a two year history of painless subcutaneous nodule in front of her right ear. On examination with otorhinolaryngology deparment a firm subcutaneous nodule was seen and palpated over the right angulus mandibula. The computed tomography imaging study demonstrated 8.5x12 mm subcutaneous mass lesion with calcification. Histopathological examination of the excised material showed the presence of basaloid cells associated with phantom cells, with areas of multinucleated giant cells, pigmented macrophages and widespread dystrophic calcification compatible with pilomatrixoma. In this case, we wished to present a patient who underwent excisional biopsy as a result of computed tomography imaging and whose pathological result was reported to be pilomatrixoma. Pilomatrixoma has long been supposed to be an infrequent tumor, but it may be more common than previously realized, so the clinicians must keep in mind the diagnosis of pilomatrixoma for subcutaneous nodules on the head and neck