Ann Dermatol.  2010 Nov;22(4):431-434. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.431.

A Case of Trichogerminoma

• Kim M
• Choi M
• Hong JS
• Lee JH
• Cho S

• KMID: 2266181
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.431

Abstract

Trichogerminoma is a rare neoplasm which was first described in 1992 and there is still controversy over its inclusion into the spectrum of trichoblastoma. A 79-year-old woman presented with a 5-year history of an asymptomatic nodule on the left posterior neck. Histologically, the lesion revealed a well-demarcated deep dermal nodule surrounded by a pseudocapsule. The tumor was composed of lobules with basophilic cells and some of the lobules displayed a distinctive pattern of densely packed 'cell balls' with peripheral condensation. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed zonal CK5/6 immunoactivity in contrast with the negatively stained 'cell balls'. These characteristics were compatible with the diagnosis of trichogerminoma. We report here on a rare case of a hair germ tumor called trichogerminoma.

Keyword

Cell ball; Hair germ tumor; Trichoblastoma; Trichogerminoma

MeSH Terms

Aged
Basophils
Female
Fluconazole
Hair
Humans
Neck
Fluconazole

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A solitary non-ulcerated, hemispheric, well-demarcated, flesh-colored nodule on the posterior neck

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  Fig. 2 (A) A well-demarcated tumor composed of basaloid lobules surrounded by a pseudocapsule in the deep dermis (H&E, ×40). (B) Distinctive 'cell balls' of pale cells with peripheral condensation (H&E, ×200). (C) Keratinous microcysts (arrow) are located in the eccentric part of the cell ball. The tumor cells extending from lobules make anastomosing strands or buds (H&E, ×400). (D)The peripheral rim of the cell balls were prominently stained with anti-CK5/6, whereas the centrally located pale 'cell balls' expressed weaker staining with anti-CK5/6 (avidin-biotin complex, ×200)

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