A calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe: a clinical case

BACKGROUND: Calcifying Malherbe epithelioma is one of the most common tumors in children. It is localized mainly on the scalp and neck. The tumor is an asymptomatic, single, spherical, slow-growing subcutaneous formation of dense consistency, up to 3 cm in diameter. Experienced surgeons sometimes remove this neoplasm without prior diagnosis. Based on the presented case of calcifying Malherbe epithelioma in a 7-year-old girl, we want to determine through a retrospective analysis of her medical documents whether only a physical examination will allow a differential diagnosis and a correct diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: The girl’s parents saw some lesion on the distal part of her right shoulder. On examination, a physician revealed a subcutaneous tumor up to 2 cm in size, bluish in color, limited in mobility by palpation and painless. At surgery, the tumour was widely excised. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe. CONCLUSION: Calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe is a rare tumor. It occurs most often in girls. It is often clinically misdiagnosed. Surgical treatment involves wide excision. For families who are particularly concerned about the safety of their children during surgery, additional diagnostic procedures may be helpful.