Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae - Clinical Mimic of Malignancy: A Case Report

Abstract

Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (FKN), also known as acne keloidalis nuchae, represents a form of chronic scarring folliculitis. It is characterized by the formation of fibrotic papules and nodules over nape of the neck. The condition is seen mostly in men of African descent and less known in persons of another ethnicity. With persistence of the inciting factors, the condition recurs in most cases. The bulky recurrent lesion may mimic a tumor and is sampled with clinical suspicion of malignancy. A 34 years male of Asian origin presented with tumor-like swelling on posterior part of neck. The morphological diagnosis of FKN could be given only after correlation of the histological findings with the detailed clinical history of the patient. The case is reported for its rare occurrence in Indian men. Advanced lesions in the absence of relevant clinical data and paucity of Indian literature may pose difficulty in diagnosis.

Keywords

• clinical presentation
• folliculitis keloidalis nuchae
• morphological diagnosis.