Trichoblastomas Mimicking Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Identification and Differentiation

Abstract

Trichoblastoma is a rare, slow-growing, benign cutaneous tumor derived from follicular germinative cells. Trichoblastoma commonly appears as an asymptomatic, symmetrical, well-circumscribed, skin-colored to brown or blue-black papule or nodule. It may appear clinically and histologically similar to basal cell carcinoma, making its diagnosis challenging. Even on dermoscopy, it is challenging to differentiate trichoblastoma from basal cell carcinoma. In practice, it is important to differentiate the two, because the choice of treatment and resulting prognosis differ between the lesions. Surgical biopsy to analyze histopathological and immunohistochemical differences is the gold standard for diagnosing and differentiating trichoblastoma from basal cell carcinoma. Trichoblastoma typically has a favorable prognosis, with a low incidence of recurrence, progression or association with malignancy. This paper provides a review of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, dermoscopy, histology, immunochemistry, treatment, and prognosis of trichoblastoma.