A case of pilomatricoma on the preauricular region in an aged woman

We report a unique case of protuberant type of pilomatricoma on the preauricular region in an aged woman. A 67-year-old woman noticed a tumor on her preauricular region about 3 months previously. On her first visit to our hospital, a black-brown soft tumor measuring 6 × 3 mm was recognized on her preauricular region. Histologically, the tumor showed the typical features of pilomatricoma, consisting of basophilic cells and shadow cells. Dermoscopic features showed irregular white structures, white streaks, and reddish homogeneous area with irregular vessels. Pilomatricoma is commonly observed as a subcutaneous nodule on the face and neck in young patients ; however, it can develop in elderly people with a variety of clinical manifestations. Our case suggested that dermoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of pilomaticoma to a certain degree. Also, pilomatricoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of protuberant tumors of face and neck, even in aged individuals.