Parotid pilomatricoma: a case presentation and literature review

Abstract Background Pilomatrixoma is a rare benign tumor of the hair follicle. It is more common in children and women. The cervical and facial region are the most frequent location for this type of tumor. Due to its variable clinical presentations, it can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor of surrounding tissues, as described in our case. The diagnosis confirmation is pathological. Case presentation We report the case of a 34-year-old patient, who presented a swelling in the right parotid region gradually increasing in size for two years, with no facial asymmetry. Clinical examination revealed a rounded, well-defined mass, fixed to the superficial plan, without any cervical lymph nodes. The MRI showed a tumor that seems to be evolving from the superficial lobe of the right parotid, suggesting a pleomorphic adenoma. Total excision of the tumor without margins was performed, preserving the parotid tissue and the facial nerve. The postoperative course was normal; and the pathological study confirmed the diagnosis of pilomatrixoma. Conclusion Pilomatrixoma is a rare benign tumor but it remains a differential diagnosis of large tumors of the neck and parotid. It is mainly a pathological diagnosis, The treatment of choice still complete surgical excision.