A pilomatrixoma which can be otherwise called Malherbe’s calcifying epithelioma is a benign tumor originating from hair follicle matrix cells. The tumor most commonly occurs in the head and neck region. The age of onset is bimodal. In over 60% of patients, the first peak occurrence is before the third decade of life, while the second peak takes place between the sixth and seventh decades. It commonly occurs in children as a single tumor. Although pilomatrixoma has been properly defined over the years, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Because most case reports are documented in the dermatology and otolaryngology literature, general pediatricians might not be familiar with the condition. 

 

Pilomatrixoma, a benign neoplasm of the hair follicle, was initially thought to arise from sebaceous glands and was called calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe by Malherbe and Chenantais. Pilomatrixoma is the most common superficial tumor in children and occurs with greater frequency in girls. Pilomatrixomas are usually solitary nodules, but multiple occurrences have been observed in 2% to 10% of reported cases. However, Turhan Haktanir et al. reported multiple pilomatrixomas 50% in their series of Turkish patients. Our patient, similar with these Turkish series, had multiple tumors. A further study reviewing a wide series of Turkish patients are necessary. Multiple tumors may be found in association with Gardner’s syndrome, myotonic muscular dystrophy, and Turner’s syndrome.