A 12-Year Clinical Experience with Pilomatrixomas in the Head and Neck Region

Background: Pilomatrixoma is a superficial, benign skin tumor differentiating from the hair follicle matrix. More than half of these tumors occur in the head and neck region. This study aims to share the clinical experience with patients diagnosed with pilomatrixoma in the head and neck region through surgical excision, to raise awareness of differential diagnosis, and to contribute to the literature. Methods: The data of patients diagnosed with pilomatrixoma through surgical excision in the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital between January 2009 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic data of the patients, presenting complaints, tumor location and pathological size, imaging methods used, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative follow-up characteristics were evaluated. Results: Between January 2009 and July 2021, twelve patients underwent surgery in the clinic and were diagnosed with pilomatrixoma. Seven of these patients were male (58.3%), and 5 were female (41.7%), with a mean age of 23.75 years, and a median age of 15 years. Seven of the twelve patients (58.3%) were under 20. Nine patients presented with a firm, painless mass covered by normal skin in the preauricular region, 2 in the auricle, and 1 in the postauricular region. Conclusion: Pilomatrixoma is a rare condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck masses. The treatment is complete excision of the lesion, as failure to excise it may result in a very low risk of malignant transformation. The importance of complete excision in preventing recurrences should not be overlooked.Cite this article as: Hancı S, İkiz AÖ, Doğan E, et al. A 12-year clinical experience with pilomatrixomas in the head and neck region. Balkan ORL-HNS 2025;2(2):50-53.