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Article
June 1995

Scalp Mass

Author Affiliations

Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea

Arch Dermatol. 1995;131(6):719-720. doi:10.1001/archderm.1995.01690180095017
Abstract

REPORT OF A CASE  A 3-year-old boy was examined because of a scalp mass that appeared 1 year earlier. Physical examination revealed a 0.6×0.8-cm, slightly erythematous nodule on the scalp (Figure 1). The biopsy specimen was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (Figure 2 and Figure 3).What is your diagnosis?

DIAGNOSIS:  Giant molluscum contagiosum.

HISTOPATHOLOGIC FINDINGS  Microscopic examination showed invagination of a keratotic column with an acanthotic epidermis having basophilic granular inclusion bodies as well as minute ovoid eosinophilic bodies. There was marked ulceration with acute nonspecific suppurative inflammation at the overhanging edge of the inverted keratotic column.

DISCUSSION  Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by the pox virus. Most commonly affected sites of typical molluscum contagiosum are the head, eyelids, trunk, and genitalia in temperate climates; the extremities are the most commonly affected sites in the tropics.1 Lesions in children commonly occur on the face, trunk

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