What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sclerosing Epithelial Hamartoma

What is Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is a rare, benign, and slow-growing tumor of the hair follicles
• Unlike trichoepithelioma (which may be multiple), Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is typically solitary and found in middle-aged women, almost always appearing on the face
• The cause and risk factors for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma are presently unknown. However, these tumors may be familial (occurring in families) or non-familial (sporadic occurrence)
• In a majority of cases, no treatment in necessary, unless it causes worrisome symptoms or cosmetic concerns in the individual
• A simple surgical excision of the tumor is considered curative. The prognosis for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma can occur at any age, but is common in middle-aged adults 
• Both men and women may be affected, but women are affected more than men
• The condition is observed worldwide; individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma
• However, a positive family history of the tumor may be a risk factor for the familial type of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma? (Etiology)

Presently, the cause of development of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is unknown.

• This hair follicle tumor is of two types:
  • One type of tumor is believed to be inherited and can run in families (familial type of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma)
  • Another type of tumor occurs randomly, with no previous incidence of a family history (non-familial type of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma)
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma?

The signs and symptoms of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma include:

• Frequently, it occurs as a single, raised nodule on the skin
• It is a slow-growing tumor that can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter
• The skin over the nodules may have a reddish discoloration
• The nodule is usually painless and non-itchy. They are mostly well-demarcated and firm to touch
• Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma almost exclusively occurs on the face, though they may occur at other locations too
• These tumors can be sometimes confused with basal cell carcinomas both clinically and on pathology examination

How is Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis of other tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, should be ruled out; hence, biopsy is an important diagnostic tool

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma?

Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is an uncommon tumor and it does not cause any significant complications. However, some individuals may have concerns regarding their cosmetic appearance, since these nodules mostly appear on the face.

How is Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma Treated?

The treatment of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as cosmetic issues
• The treatment is a complete surgical excision, which results in a cure
• Once the nodule is completely removed, it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal may result in its recurrence
• Vaporization (burning-off) of the nodule can be performed using a CO2 laser

How can Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma:

• There is no evidence to prove that oily foods and chocolate-based products have an influence on Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma formation
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse