Korean J Dermatol.
2001 Oct;39(10):1080-1085.
17 Cases of Atypical Molluscum Contagiosa
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Korea Veterans Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum is a commom benign viral disease of the skin characterized by discrete, 2-5 mm, flesh colored, slightly umbilicated, dome-shaped papules with frequent grouping. But atypical presentation of site, number and size is recently not rare, it may give rise to difficulty in diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of various atypical molluscum contagiosa.
METHODS
We reviewed medical records, clinical photographs, and histopathologic findings in biopsy specimens of 17 patients with molluscum contagiosa diagnosed at Korea Veterans Hospital from January 1990 to June 2001. The ratio of male to female patients was 3:1, and the mean age at diagnosis was 30 years(range: 3-67).
RESULTS
1. Most commonly involved sites were trunk(80%), extremities(30%), and perianal(12%). 2. The duration of the lesion is 15 days to 3 years. 3. The size of lesion is 2 mm to 50 mm. 4. The number of lesions is one to over a hundred. 5. The clinical features were multiple papules without umbilication(9 cases, 53%) and giant tumor(2 case), pyogenic granuloma-like lesion(2 cases), solitary papule with flat surface(2 cases). 6. The combined disease are atopic dermatitis(1 case), epidermal cyst(1 case), and liver cirrhosis(1 case), diabetes mellitus(1 cases).
CONCLUSION
This study shows various atypical molluscum contagiosa in immunocompetent patients. Histopathological examination in atypical molluscum contagiosa is necessary for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
