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

• Basal Cell Hamartoma with Follicular Differentiation
• Follicular Infundibulum Tumor
• Infundibuloma

What is Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum? (Definition/Background Information)

• Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum (TFI) is a benign, slow-growing tumor of the hair follicles. It is also known as an ‘Infundibuloma’
• It is an uncommon tumor that occurs on the skin as a painless nodule, usually in the head and neck region
• It can be seen in middle-aged and older adults. The cause of the condition is generally unknown
• The risk factors for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum include nevus sebaceous and Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome
• In a majority of cases, no treatment in necessary, unless it presents severe or bothersome symptoms in the affected individual
• A simple surgical excision of the tumor is considered curative. The prognosis for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum are rare tumors that may occur at any age, but is common during middle-age and older age
• Both males and females may be affected, though it is seen with a higher incident rate in females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum? (Predisposing Factors)

The identified risk factors for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum include:

• Nevus sebaceous, a type of birthmark that is mostly present on the scalp
• Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome, a rare inherited genetic disorder of the skin
• Cowden’s syndrome, a rare inherited genetic disorder that leads to the formation of tumor-like growths in the body

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 Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum is unknown
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum?

The signs and symptoms of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum include:

• It usually occurs as a single, raised nodule on the skin; it is a slow-growing tumor
• They are rarely multiple (many in numbers)
• The average size is about 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
• These nodules can occur all over the body, but they are commonly observed in the head and neck region and upper chest
• Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum can be sometimes confused with basal cell carcinoma, since they are similar in appearance (superficial)
• Signs and symptoms of the underlying disorder (if any) may be present

How is Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum 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 Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum?

Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum is an uncommon tumor and it does not cause any significant complications.

• However, some individuals may have concerns regarding their cosmetic appearance
• Complications may arise from the underlying Cowden’s syndrome or Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome

How is Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum Treated?

The treatment of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome symptoms and 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
• Cauterization (burning-off) of the nodule can be performed using a CO2 laser
• Treatment of the underlying genetic conditions may also have to be undertaken

How can Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor
• Nevertheless, the prognosis may also be linked to the underlying genetic condition (if any) the tumor is associated with

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum:

• Tumor of Follicular Infundibulum formation is not influenced by one’s food and diet habits
• 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