Trichoblastic carcinoma: A cautionary tale

Abstract

Trichoblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant hair follicle tumor. It resembles basal cell carcinoma clinically. However, various studies have emphasized the importance of differentiating between these two cancers since they have a different clinical course, which may affect treatment options and subsequent follow-up plans. Despite its aggressive behavior, there is a lack of uniform consensus on the treatment. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with trichoblastoma with focal transformation to low-grade trichoblastic carcinoma. This patient underwent surgical excision of the carcinoma, followed by adjuvant radiation therapy in view of residual disease. The patient was disease-free for 3 years. The intent of reporting this case is to help oncologists recognize similar cases and consequently plan the treatment in a way to improve the survival of these patients.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• high-grade carcinoma
• radiotherapy
• trichoblastoma