Giant cell collagenoma: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Giant cell collagenoma (GCC) is a recently described cutaneous fibrous neoplasm that usually affects young to middle-aged adults. Despite its similar histological appearance with circumscribed storiform collagenoma, no association of GCC with Cowden's syndrome has been described so far. To the best of our knowledge only five cases of this rare fibrous tumor have been reported so far. METHODS: We report a case of a 79-year-old male patient presenting with a slow growing flesh-colored dome-shaped lesion in his left forearm, with a clinical diagnosis of fibroma. No stigma of Cowden's syndrome was depicted. RESULTS: The histological analysis showed a symmetrical and well-circumscribed flat-dome-shaped lesion covered by an atrophic overlying epidermis. The neoplasm was composed of hyalinized collagen bundles disposed in a whorled storiform pattern. Admixed with the collagen matrix, there were two distinct cell populations, one composed by spindle-shaped mononuclear cells, and the other composed by bizarre multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for vimentin and actin HHF35 in the mononucleated. The multinucleated cells only immunoexpressed vimentin. CONCLUSION: GCC is an unusual cutaneous fibrous tumor that should be differentiated from circumscribed storiform collagenoma, pleomorphic fibroma, regressive forms of dermatofibroma, and solitary myofibroma based on its histological features.     

Familial cutaneous collagenoma: genetic studies on a family.

Familial cutaneous collagenoma is an inherited condition characterized by the presence of multiple dermal nodules symmetrically distributed on the trunk and upper arms. In this study, six patients, the proband, his four siblings and a niece, representing a kindred of fifty-two subjects, were examined for aymptomatic cutaneous nodules mainly on the back and chest. The individual lesions varying from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size, were indurated, and showed minimal epidermal changes. Histologically, the nodules were characterized by an excessive accumulation of dense, coarse collagen fibres in the dermis. The elastic fibres appeared diminished in number, and in some areas they were abnormally thin and fragmented. The lesions, therefore, were connective tissue naevi of the collagen type. On the basis of the family history and histological observations the patients were diagnosed as having familial cutaneous collagenoma. Examination of the family pedigree indicated that the dermal nodules in familial cutaneous collagenoma were inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. It was also observed that the lesions had an onset at the age of 15 to 19 years, and their number increased significantly during pregnancy. It is conceivable that familial cutaneous collagenoma is an inherited condition whose expression may be under a hormonal control.     

A Case of Eruptive Collagenoma on the Left Calf

Eruptive collagenoma is an acquired connective tissue nevus without family history. It is typically described as numerous small papules or nodules on the trunk and arms with histopathological features of decreased or degenerated elastic fibers. We report a case of a 16-year-old male who presented with multiple asymptomatic 2 to 5 mm sized yellowish grouped papules on the left calf. Histopathologically, the lesion showed thickened homogenized collagen fibers highlighted by Masson trichrome stain and decreased and fragmented elastic fibers stained by Verhoeff-van Gieson stain. The skin lesion was diagnosed as eruptive collagenoma and no treatment was provided.     

Pacinian collagenoma: A distinct form of sclerotic fibroma

Sclerotic fibroma (storiform collagenoma) is a rare benign skin tumor. A solitary tumor, as well as multifocal lesions, are found either sporadically, or associated with Cowden syndrome. The tumor usually presents as clinically asymptomatic, slowly growing papule or nodule on the skin of the head, neck, and upper extremities. Microscopically the lesion is sharply demarcated, composed of hyalinized bands of collagen with low cellularity and a distinctive irregularly whorled or storiform pattern. We describe a case of a unique variant of this tumor in the scalp of a 33-year-old male. The tumor was microscopically composed of concentrically arranged collagen bundles with prevailing type III collagen, which resembled an enlarged Vater-Pacini corpuscle, with low density of CD34-positive and glucose transporter 1-negative spindle shaped cells. The specific microscopic appearance is suggestive of the term “Pacinian collagenoma” for this unique benign tumor.     

Eruptive collagenoma. Apropos of a case with ultrastructural study

A 29-year-old male patient was examined for numerous asymptomatic dermal nodules symmetrically distributed over the back and the shoulders. The nodules were firm, round to oval and varied in size from a few millimeters to 2 centimeters. They had appeared in normal skin without any known previous inflammation or injury, and they has been present without modification for nine years. At histological examination a dermal accumulation of abundant and large collagen bundles was observed. Elastic fibers seemed to be less numerous than normally. Alcian blue showed no increase in acid mucopolysaccharides. An ultrastructural study displayed normal, mature collagen fibers arranged in large bundles. Cutaneous collagenoma, initially described by Colomb as "eruptive collagenoma" is a rare disorder of unknown etiology occurring in young adults as symptomless dermal nodules without previous history of illness or injury and mostly localized to the back. No change is usually observed in these nodules for several years. Histologically, the nodules are characterized by a proliferation of collagen in the dermis; elastic fibers are generally reduced in number. Our ultrastructural study showed that proliferation of normal collagen fibers is the main morphological finding.     

Isolated plantar collagenoma: a case report

Collagenoma is a hamartomatous lesion consisting of proliferation of normal collagen tissue. We describe a 19-year-old girl with a firm, elastic 3 x 2 cm nodule located on her right plantar fossa. Histopathologically, dense, coarse, thick collagen fibers were located in the dermis. In addition, the number of elastic fibers was slightly decreased. Based on these findings, the case was diagnosed as isolated plantar collagenoma.     

A case of verrucous perforating collagenoma in a toddler

Verrucous perforating collagenoma is an extremely rare variant of acquired perforating dermatosis that has been seldom described in literature. We present the case of an 18‐month‐old boy who presented with an erythematous plaque with a central keratotic plug on the leg. Histopathology revealed transepidermal elimination of collagen, consistent with a diagnosis of verrucous perforating collagenoma.     

Isolated plantar collagenoma not associated with Proteus syndrome

Isolated plantar cerebriform collagenomas are a relatively rare type of connective tissue nevus. They have been suggested to be pathognomonic of Proteus syndrome. However, their presence is now considered to be a major criterion of Proteus syndrome, but the diagnosis of Proteus syndrome also requires the presence of other minor criteria. We present an unusual case of an acquired plantar cerebriform collagenoma, which is not associated with Proteus syndrome. Collagenomas, or connective tissue nevi of the collagen type, represent a hamartomatous overgrowth of normal collagen. Isolated plantar collagenoma is rare, and most commonly presents in childhood. We report an interesting case of an isolated plantar cerebriform collagenoma in an adult.     

发疹性皮肤胶原瘤1例

报告发疹性皮肤胶原瘤1例,患者男,38岁。背部,肩部出现多发性扁平丘疹,结节及斑块8年,皮损为正常肤色,直径数毫米至数厘米,部分融合成斑块,无自觉症状,无家族史,组织病理检查示,胶原纤维变厚,增殖,弹性纤维减少,诊断为发疹性皮肤胶原瘤。     

Eruptive collagenoma

A case of eruptive collagenoma in a male is being reported. He presented with asymptomatic nodules and plaques over the trunk, upper extremity and face of 15 years duration. Family history was negative. Histopathology with H & E stain followed by Verhoeff van Gieson's staining revealed increased collagen in dermis confirming the diagnosis of eruptive collagenoma. Patient also had Beckers naevus.     

席纹状胶原瘤

报告1例席纹状胶原瘤。患者男,46岁。背部肿物40年余,缓慢增长,无自觉症状。无系统性疾病病史。皮损组织病理检查示表皮轻度萎缩,真皮内可见一边界清楚的结节,无包膜,病变均匀、局限,由大量透明样变的胶原束组成,胶原束之间见许多裂隙,排列成席纹状。诊断:席纹状胶原瘤。     

Progress of an isolated collagenoma during pregnancy

Collagenomas are connective tissue naevi composed predominantly of collagen. Isolated collagenomas are usually localized to a single body region, acquired, and of rare occurrence. We describe a patient with an isolated collagenoma that showed an increase in size during pregnancy and regressed afterwards.     

Papulolinear Collagenoma with Arborizing Arrangement: Report of a Case

Abstract:  Connective tissue nevi of collagen type are now classified in four major subtypes. In addition to the clinicopathological features of papulolinear collagenoma, which is considered as a variant of isolated collagen harmatoma, the case we present has a unique arborizing pattern.     

Solitary giant cell collagenoma

Collagenoma or collagen nevus of the connective tissue is a hamartomatous malformation of the dermis, characterized by a proliferation of normal collagen tissue. This may be congenital or acquired, solitary or multiple, hereditary or sporadic. The solitary type are sporadic, not associated with any disease, and may appear on any part of the body. Histology studies show an increase of collagen fibers in the dermis and a variable decrease in elastic fibers. We discuss the case of a child with a solitary giant cerebriform collagenoma on the lumbar region of her back.     

Familial cutaneous collagenoma: a clinicopathologic study of two new cases

Two siblings with familial cutaneous collagenoma syndrome had the essential clinical features of multiple skin-colored nodules on the trunk and upper arms. On light microscopy, histopathologic findings included excessive accumulation of dense, coarse collagen in the dermis. Elastic tissue stains demonstrated a proportionately diminished number of abnormal elastic fibers intermingled with the collagen bundles. A predominance of densely packed collagen bundles of normal morphology with a marked decrease in abnormal elastic tissue were the major ultrastructural features. The diagnosis was therefore confirmed to be connective tissue nevi of the collagen type. The differential diagnosis of connective tissue nevi disorders is delineated.     

The Importance of Collagen Tissue in Papular Elastorrhexis,Eruptive Collagenoma,and Nevus Anelasticus

BackgroundPapular elastorrhexis (PE), eruptive collagenoma (EC), and nevus anelasticus (NA) are described as multiple small papules with decrease, fragmentation, or lack of dermal elastic fibers. These diseases are suggested to be the same entity. The change of collagen fibers in the conditions has not been addressed to date.ObjectiveWe compared the clinical features of the 3 diseases and investigated changes in the collagen fibers involved.MethodsTwenty-four cases of PE, 12 cases of EC, and 2 cases of NA found in PubMed and the Korean database were reviewed. Changes in dermal collagen fibers in 10 cases with histological figures were investigated.ResultsThere were significant similarities between the 3 entities in terms of their clinical features. Four patients with PE and 2 with EC with fine, dense collagen fibers were women who had multiple white to hypopigmented, slightly indurated to firm, millimeter-size papules on the trunk and/or extremities that progressed gradually after developing in the patients'' first to third decades.ConclusionThe 3 conditions are the same clinical entity in our opinion; such cases with fine, dense collagen manifest typical features.     

Light and electron microscopy of eruptive collagenoma

Connective tissue nevi may be multiple or solitary, sporadic or familial. Eruptive collagenoma is a variant of the acquired collagenomas characterized by multiple sclerotic papules with an acute onset. A 13-year-old girl reported that in the past year, small asymptomatic lesions began to appear in her skin, 30 lesions were seen in the trunk, 5 in the cervical region and 1 in the face. Light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining showed sparse collagen fibers, with Weigert staining diminished elastic tissue was observed. Scanning electron microscopy of the dermis showed individualized collagen fibers forming waved compact masses and not bundles. Transmission electron microscopy also showed sparse and loose collagen fibers with different diameters in cross sections.     

Isolated Collagenoma: A Case Report with a Review of Connective Tissue Nevi of the Collagen Type

A 22-year-old male had had five skin colored tumorous growths on the mid-palm, ring and little fingers of the right hand for the last 15 years. Histopathological examination with hematoxylin and eosin and special stains confirmed the diagnosis of connective tissue nevi of collagen type. There were no associated cutaneous or systemic findings; thus the case was designated as isolated collagenoma. A review of connective tissue nevi of the collagen type is presented.     

Multiple connective tissue nevi

Connective tissue nevi are uncommon, and rarely suspected clinically because of their diverse morphologic presentations. Histologically, we define connective tissue nevi as discrete areas within the papillary or recticular dermis where a clear predominance or depletion of collagen, elastin, or glycosaminoglycans may be found. We report a case of multiple connective tissue nevi with a predominance of dermal collagen deposition, without extracutaneous findings and no family history of connective tissue nevi. These lesions can thus be classified as being of the eruptive collagenoma type.