Pilomatrixoma

Pilomatrixoma or Malherbe's calcifying epithelioma is a neoplasm that arises from hair follicle matrix cells. It is located in head and neck region in 50% of the cases. Diagnosis of pilomatrixoma can usually be made on the basis of clinical features. The tumor usually grows slowly. It is well demarked and asymptomatic. Palpation reveals a stony, hard consistency which is the pathognomonic feature of pilomatrixoma. Surgical excision is the current treatment modality. We present two cases with pilomatrixoma in preauricular region, which must be kept in mind in differential diagnosis of head and neck tumors. Also clinical and histopathological features of pilomatrixoma is reviewed with literature.