Nasal skin papilloma mimicking a cutaneous horn in an infant

A cutaneous horn is a hyperkeratotic projection whose clinical significance lies in its underlying epidermal pathology, which can range from benign to premalignant or malignant. While typically seen in sun exposed areas of elderly patients, this report details a rare presentation in an infant where the lesion clinically mimicked a cutaneous horn but was histopathologically identified as a benign skin papilloma. An 11-month-old male infant presented with a keratotic projection on the dorsum of his nose, present since early infancy. Clinical examination revealed a hard, conical mass resembling a cutaneous horn. The lesion was successfully excised under general anesthesia with primary wound closure. The post-operative period was uneventful. Histopathological examination revealed the lesion to be a benign skin papilloma. This case highlights the unusual presentation of a benign skin papilloma mimicking a cutaneous horn in a pediatric patient. It emphasizes that despite rarity in this demographic, thorough evaluation and surgical excision are crucial for definitive diagnosis and treatment, ensuring appropriate management and ruling out any potential underlying malignancy.