What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
- Acanthoma of Pilar Sheath
What is Pilar Sheath Acanthoma? (Definition/Background Information)
- Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is a benign tumor of the hair follicles, usually seen on the face
- It is an uncommon skin condition that occurs on the skin as a painless papule or plaque. It typically occurs in middle-aged and elderly adults
- The cause and risk factors for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma are unknown
- In a majority of cases, no treatment is 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 Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is excellent with suitable treatment
Who gets Pilar Sheath Acanthoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is a rare tumor that may occur at any age, but is generally observed during middle-to-late adulthood
- Both males and females may be affected
- Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization of Acanthoma of Pilar Sheath has been reported
What are the Risk Factors for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma? (Predisposing Factors)
- Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones 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 Pilar Sheath Acanthoma? (Etiology)
- The cause of development of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is presently unknown
- Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma?
- It usually occurs as a single, raised papule/plaque on the skin; it is a slow-growing tumor
- A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimeter across. Usually a papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes
- A plaque is a broad, raised area on the skin; skin plaques are usually broader than they are high
- It can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter (generally 5-10 mm in size)
- The skin over the nodules may have a reddish discoloration
- The nodule is usually painless and non-itchy
- The papule/plaque may appear anywhere on the body, but is normally observed in the head and neck region, chiefly on the face (most common site - the upper lip)
How is Pilar Sheath Acanthoma Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma 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 dilated pore of Winer, may be necessary, and 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 Pilar Sheath Acanthoma?
Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is an uncommon and benign tumor. It does not cause any significant complication. However, some individuals may have concerns regarding their appearance, especially when the tumor is present on the face.
How is Pilar Sheath Acanthoma Treated?
The treatment of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma 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 does not recur. An incomplete removal may result in its recurrence
- Cauterization (burning-off) of the nodule can be performed using a CO2 laser
How can Pilar Sheath Acanthoma be Prevented?
Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Pilar Sheath Acanthoma occurrence.
What is the Prognosis of Pilar Sheath Acanthoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
The prognosis for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma is excellent with appropriate treatment since it is a benign tumor.
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pilar Sheath Acanthoma:
- There is no evidence to prove that the intake of certain foods have an influence on Pilar Sheath Acanthoma development
- 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
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