IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2021;7(1):84–85
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IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
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Case Report
Trichoadenoma of vulva: A rare case with rare site of presentation
Haradanahalli Nagaraju Pavithra
1,
*, Ranjeev Bhagat
1
, Mala Bhalla
2
1
Dept. of Pathology, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
2
Dept. of Dermatology and Venereology, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
ARTICLE INFO
Article history:
Received 13-10-2020
Accepted 02-01-2021
Available online 22-02-2021
Keywords:
adnexal tumor
hair follicle differentiation
trichoadenoma
ABSTRACT
Trichoadenoma is a rare benign adnexal tumor of skin with differentiation towards hair structure. It was
first described by Niklowski in 1958 and so is also known as trichoadenoma of Nikolowski. It shares its
features with trichoepithelioma and trichofolliculoma, which are the other common benign adnexal tumors
with differentiation towards hair structure. Vulva being an unusual site for occurrence of trichoadenoma,
there are very few cases reported in the literature at this site. Here we report a case of trichoadenoma of
vulva.
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1. Case History
A 47-year-old female presented with a well-defined
skin colored non-tender asymptomatic nodule of 1x1cm
over the vulva for almost one year. There was no
history of any sexually transmitted disease. General
physical examination was within normal limits and there
was no inguinal lymphadenopathy. Haemotological and
biochemical investigations were within normal limits.
Serological tests for syphilis and HIV were non reactive.
The clinical possibilities considered were inclusion cyst
and skin tag. The nodule was excised and sent for
histopathology. (Figure 1)
The sample was processed for routine histopathological
examination. The hematoxylin and eosin stained sections
were examined under light microscopy. The epidermis was
relatively unremarkable. Dermis shows numerous horn cysts
lined by multiple layers of eosinophilic cells. There was
attempted gland formation at places. Some of the cysts
were dilated. Few islands of eosinophilic cells without
keratinization are seen. Occasional cysts showed presence
of granular layer between the keratin and eosinophilic
cells. One of the cysts ruptured eliciting lymphohistiocytic
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: drpavithrahn@gmail.com (H. N. Pavithra).
reaction in the surrounding area. (Figure 2) There were no
basaloid cells surrounding the eosinophilic cells. There were
no hair shafts.
2. Discussion
Adnexal tumors of skin are an interesting and complex
entity in dermatopathology. It is important to differentiate
the adnexal tumors as benign and malignant and also
differentiate them from the epidermal and epithelial tumors.
Hair follicle and its pilosebaceous unit are adnexal
structures with different group of tumors. This group
comprises of various tumors with differentiation towards
hair structure. Trichoadenoma is one among them which is
also know as trichoadenoma of Nikolowski.
1–4
Its common presentation is on face and buttocks in adults
with more than 50% cases occurring over the face. Other
common sites are thigh, shoulder and neck.
3,5
Trichoadenoma commonly presents as a skin colored
lesion. The histopathology will be similar to that of our
case. In addition, rare islands may show granular layer with
keratohyaline granules.
1–3
Absence of basaloid cells around the eosinophilic cells
differentiates it from the trichoepithelioma and absence
of hair shaft differentiates it from trichofolliculoma.
https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijced.2021.017
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