The Girl With the Bleeding Earlobe Mass. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Pilomatrixomas, also known as epithelioma calcificans, are benign tumors of hair follicle matrix cells that are often mistaken for other lesions, especially cutaneous abscesses. We report an illustrative case in which a teenage girl developed a red, swollen earlobe that required multiple care visits and interventions until definitive diagnosis and treatment were provided. Although the lesion was initially treated as an abscess, it continued to progress in size and discomfort. The correct diagnosis was established after imaging and complete excision with pathologic examination. Ultimately, our patient was subjected to avoidable procedures that carried the risk of potentially negative cosmetic sequelae before the proper intervention. Although abscesses are common, it is important for clinicians to avoid incision and drainage of lesions, unless the diagnosis is certain.

publication date

  • December 1, 2021

Research

keywords

  • Abscess
  • Skin Diseases

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85115104359

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001809

PubMed ID

  • 30907848

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 37

issue

  • 12