Original Article

Year : 2019 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 2 | Page : 25-28

Histopathological spectrum of scalp tumors: Analysis with review of literature

Monica Kumbhat, Leena Dennis Joseph1, B. Subalakshmi1, V. Vidhya1

Department of Pathology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, 1Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Leena Dennis Joseph, Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai ‐ 600 116, Tamil Nadu, India.

E‐mail: leenadj@gmail.com

Abstract

Purpose/Background: The scalp is the part of the body, which frequently presents with a wide variety of lesions, which may range from congenital, inflammatory, post traumatic, and neoplastic. Swellings and cysts are common occurrences. Both benign and malignant tumors are located in the scalp and correct diagnosis is needed for appropriate management.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study, where we reviewed surgically excised swellings in the scalp, over a duration of 6 years. The data were obtained from the records in pathology department, in a tertiary care hospital in South India and clinical inputs were obtained from the hospital records. These were categorized primarily into benign and malignant lesions. The benign lesions were further classified as cystic lesions, vascular lesions, epidermal proliferations, and skin adnexal tumors. The malignant lesions were sub categorized as primary or secondary (metastatic).

Results:

One hundred cases of histopathologically proven diverse cases of scalp swellings were included. Majority of them were benign, accounting for 77% with rest of them being malignant (23%). Among these 100 cases, 99 cases primarily originated in the scalp and only one case was a secondary tumor. Pilar cysts accounted for about 18 cases, of which 6 cases showed calcification. Vascular tumors and skin adnexal tumors played a major role. The most common malignant tumor was squamous cell carcinoma. Excision with clear margins was the mode of treatment for majority of the cases, with follow-up oncologist referral, when required.

Conclusions:

Recognition of the correct diagnosis aids in appropriate management of the patient, allaying the fears and concerns of the patient.

Keywords: Benign, cysts, malignant, scalp, tumors

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Kumbhat M, Joseph LD, Subalakshmi B, Vidhya V. Histopathological spectrum of scalp tumors: Analysis with review of literature. Int J Head Neck Pathol 2019;2:25-8.