Is proliferating Trichilemmal cyst cancerous?
Trichilemmal cysts are common fluid-filled growths that arise from the isthmus of the hair follicle. They can form rapidly multiplying trichilemmal tumors-, also called proliferating trichilemmal cysts, which are typically benign. Rarely, proliferating trichilemmal cysts can become cancerous.
Can pilar cysts become cancerous?
Pilar cysts may run in families. Rarely, these cysts may grow more extensively and form rapidly multiplying (proliferating) pilar tumors (also called proliferating trichilemmal cysts), which are non-cancerous (benign) but may grow aggressively at the cyst site. Very rarely, pilar cysts can become cancerous.
What is a trichilemmal cyst?
A trichilemmal cyst (also known as a “wen”, “pilar cyst” or “isthmus-catagen” cyst) is a common cyst that forms from a hair follicle[1,2]. These cysts are most often found on the scalp. The cysts are externally smooth, mobile and filled with cytokeratin, a protein family found in hair, nails, and skin[1,2].
How is trichilemmal cyst treated?
Most proliferating trichilemmal cysts are cured with complete surgical removal. In the very occasional instances when multiple proliferating trichilemmal cysts require several local excisions, additional radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be considered.
Can a scalp cyst be cancerous?
There isn’t a way to predict when or where a pilar cyst of the scalp may form. Benign, but can be irritating. Pilar cysts on the scalp are not cancerous and usually don’t have negative effects on your overall health. While most pilar cysts are painless, some cysts may be irritated if you bump or scratch them.
How do you get trichilemmal cyst?
Trichilemmal cysts are almost always benign. They may be sporadic or they may be autosomal dominantly inherited. They contain keratin and its breakdown products and are lined by walls resembling the external (outer) root sheath of the hair.
Does a trichilemmal cyst go away?
Self-healing. A pilar cyst on your scalp may go away on its own over time. Keep in mind that just as the cyst is slow-growing, it is also slow to shrink back down. This is especially true if it is large and there is a lot of fluid needing to drain out.
How do you tell the difference between a tumor and a cyst?
A cyst is a sac or capsule that’s filled with tissue, fluid, air, or other material. A tumor is usually a solid mass of tissue.
What is the prognosis of malignant proliferating trichilemmal cysts?
It has been found that malignant proliferating trichilemmal cysts tend to recur and metastasize in up to 30% of cases. Goyal S, Jain BB, Jana S, Bhattacharya SK.
What is proliferating trichilemmal tumor (PTT)?
Proliferating trichilemmal tumor (PTT) is a benign tumor originating from the hair follicle. Although it is a benign tumor, PTT may be locally aggressive and in very rare cases the tumor may become malignant.
What is the clinical presentation of a protoplasmic trichilemmal cyst?
Proliferating trichilemmal cysts present as lobulated masses within the scalp. They vary considerably in size from a few millimeters to large masses many centimeters in diameter. Occasionally clinical presentation will be with superimposed infection or malignant transformation, although both of these complications are uncommon 3 .
What are pilar cysts and trichilemmal tumors?
Pilar Cysts and Trichilemmal Tumors. These are still benign and localized, but when they transform to a more aggressive cell growth and appearance changes, they become more abnormal, and are now considered cancerous or malignant. Thus, the term malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) refers to a cancerous tumor of the hair follicle.