A Rare Case of Pilomatricoma of the Male Breast Mimicking Breast Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

Pilomatricoma is a benign skin adnexal tumour often seen in children and young adults. We report a rare case of pilomatricoma of the breast in a 65-year-old male patient who presented with a palpable breast lump. Initial clinical and radiological evaluation suggested primary breast carcinoma. Histopathological examination showed classic features of a benign pilomatricoma with basaloid matrical cells, shadow (ghost) cells, and a foreign body giant cell reaction. There was only minimal microcalcification present. There was strong and diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of basaloid matrical cells for beta-catenin. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by uncommon breast masses and emphasises the need for histologic confirmation by a tissue biopsy. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware that although pilomatricoma is a common skin adnexal tumour in the head and neck region, it can rarely present as a breast lump. Recognising this uncommon presentation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98654
Primary Topic
Cancer and Skin Lesions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

A Rare Case of Pilomatricoma of the Male Breast Mimicking Breast Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

Cureus
Cancer and Skin Lesions
article

A Rare Case of Pilomatricoma of the Male Breast Mimicking Breast Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

article en

Abstract

Pilomatricoma is a benign skin adnexal tumour often seen in children and young adults. We report a rare case of pilomatricoma of the breast in a 65-year-old male patient who presented with a palpable breast lump. Initial clinical and radiological evaluation suggested primary breast carcinoma. Histopathological examination showed classic features of a benign pilomatricoma with basaloid matrical cells, shadow (ghost) cells, and a foreign body giant cell reaction. There was only minimal microcalcification present. There was strong and diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of basaloid matrical cells for beta-catenin. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by uncommon breast masses and emphasises the need for histologic confirmation by a tissue biopsy. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware that although pilomatricoma is a common skin adnexal tumour in the head and neck region, it can rarely present as a breast lump. Recognising this uncommon presentation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Western University (CA), London Health Sciences Centre (CA), St Joseph's Health Centre (CA), St Joseph's Health Care (CA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Cancer and Skin Lesions
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