Infiltrative trichilemmal carcinoma treated with 5% imiquimod cream.
BACKGROUND
Trichilemmal carcinoma (TLC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that occurs in the sun-exposed skin of the elderly. Although the clinical behavior of TLC appears to be relatively indolent, wide excision or Mohs micrographic surgery is the recommended treatment owing to its locally aggressive growth. Recently, imiquimod has become an important part of the armamentarium in the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.


OBJECTIVE
This article serves to remind dermatologists that in addition to Mohs micrographic surgery and surgical excision, imiquimod 5% cream may have a role in the treatment of TLC.


METHODS
In addition to a review of the literature, we present a case of TLC successfully treated with 5% imiquimod cream.


CONCLUSIONS
Its nonsurgical approach and excellent cosmetic result make imiquimod 5% cream another promising therapeutic option for TLC, even though it is histologically infiltrative.
Jo
Ju-Hyun
JH
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
Ko
Hyun-Chang
HC
Jang
Ho-Sun
HS
Kim
Moon-Bum
MB
Oh
Chang-Keun
CK
Kwon
Kyung-Sool
KS
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod