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.
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
- London Health Sciences Centre (CA)
- St Joseph's Health Centre (CA)
- St Joseph's Health Care (CA)
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
- 0.00