Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor of the Scalp

Proliferating trichilemmal tumors (PTT) are rare but usually benign neoplasms of the outer sheath of the roots of hair follicles. These lesions are generally found on the scalp of women as well as other hair-bearing areas of the body such as the back, wrist, vulva, nose, mons pubis, elbow and breast in 10% of patients. There is a histological debate regarding the definition of malignant and benign lesions. Being a rare dermal tumor, in order to minimise the metastatic spread of the proliferating trichilemmal tumor after the diagnosis and initial treatment, an appropriate strategy should be developed, including surgical excision and other additional treatment modalities. (Gazi Med J 2012; 23: 91-3)