Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Asian J Neurosurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1815943
Case Report

Extensive Calvarial Reconstruction for Recurrent Scalp Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor: Case Report

Authors

 

Abstract

Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that arises from the external root sheath of the hair follicles, typically affecting sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, neck, and forehead; it is also misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to other skin neoplasms. This report highlights a rare case of a MPTT with repeated local recurrences, despite undergoing wide surgical resections and adjuvant radiotherapy in two different occasions. We present a case of a 42-year-old African − American man diagnosed with a MPTT of the scalp in 2013, which was treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. In the following years, the patient experienced several local recurrences with deeper involvement of the calvarial bone, requiring multiple additional procedures. In 2023, he underwent bifrontal, biparietal, and right temporal craniectomy for complete tumor excision, followed by a second course of radiotherapy and a further scalp reconstruction in early 2024. Subsequent imaging studies revealed no signs of recurrence, and biopsy results confirmed absence of residual tumor. This case exposes an unusually aggressive and treatment-refractory MPPT, which required multiple surgical procedures for wide resection, as well as two complete courses of radiotherapy, to achieve tumor control; these characteristics place this presentation among the most treatment-refractory forms of the disease reported to date. While radiotherapy has been reported as an effective alternative in cases of tumors resistant to surgery, our experience emphasizes the need for a multimodal strategy when recurrence is suspected, whether based on histopathological features or clinical presentation. This underscores the importance of early surgical intervention, multidisciplinary management, and close long-term follow-up in such rare and challenging tumors.


Introduction

Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm derived from the outer root sheath of hair follicles. It was first described by Wilson-Jones in 1966 as a neoplastic transformation of trichilemmal cysts, and since then, it has been recognized as a distinct pathology. MPTT typically arises from long-standing trichilemmal cysts that undergo progressive and rapid epithelial proliferation, up to malignant transformation.[1] Despite this, it is often misdiagnosed due to its clinical and histological resemblance to squamous cell carcinoma.[2]

These tumors most frequently arise on sun-exposed areas of the scalp and are predominantly seen in elderly women, although cases in younger individuals and men have been also documented.[3] Clinically, MPTT presents as a solitary nodule, often firm or ulcerated, with variable growth behavior. Some lesions remain indolent for years, while others demonstrate rapid expansion and aggressive local invasion.[4]

Histologically, MPTTs exhibit lobular proliferation of squamous epithelial cells with abrupt trichilemmal keratinization, nuclear pleomorphism, a high mitotic index, and absence of granular cell layer. In more aggressive forms, features such as necrosis, infiltrative margins, and stromal desmoplasia may also be present.[5] [6] These histologic characteristics are essential to distinguish MPTT from its benign counterpart and from other cutaneous neoplasms such as squamous cell carcinoma.[5] Immunohistochemistry can support diagnosis in uncertain cases; although not always necessary, markers such as p63, p53, CK 5,6,7,17, and Ki-67 have been reported as useful in confirming trichilemmal differentiation[7] [8]

There are no standardized treatment protocols for this pathology; surgical local excision with wide margins (1 cm) remains the cornerstone of treatment, as recurrences are common when margins are insufficient.[8] In selected patients with deep invasion or multiple recurrences, adjuvant radiotherapy has been employed with better results.[9] Here we present a case of a middle-aged African − American man with a particularly aggressive and recurrent MPTT of the scalp that required multiple surgical procedures and two courses of radiotherapy to achieve tumor control. This case highlights the therapeutic complexity of MPTT and the importance of multidisciplinary management in difficult presentations.


Case Report

A 42-year-old African − American man with a longstanding history of a scalp tumor lesion initially localized to the right temporal region was referred from dermatology. He had a history of a MPTT of the scalp, which was surgically resected in 2013 followed by 22 sessions of radiotherapy, the last of which was administered in November of the same year. Since then, he had been under regular dermatologic follow-up until 2019, when he developed an alopecic scar at the surgical site, which was subsequently biopsied ([Fig. 1]).

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Fig. 1 Recurrent malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT). Exophytic trichilemmal tumor with central ulceration and keratinous debris at previous excision site. Surrounding post-radiation alopecic changes with tumor recurrence requiring neurosurgical evaluation for deep extension.

Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial neoplasm consistent with MPTT and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated tumor cell positivity for p63 and CK5, CK6, meaning recurrence of the disease ([Fig. 2]). Given these findings in 2019, the patient underwent a second surgical procedure, consisting of wide excision of the alopecic scar with 1-cm clean margins followed by skin grafting. Histopathological examination once again confirmed MPTT, with a Ki-67 proliferative index of 30% ([Fig. 3]). However, wound healing was suboptimal over the right parietotemporal region and the patient developed skull bone exposure, which led to a new reconstructive surgery. This time, a free latissimus dorsi flap was performed. The procedure proceeded as planned, with adequate postoperative recovery, satisfactory healing, and negative pathology until June 2022.

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Fig. 2 Immunohistochemical staining of the slices from a resected tumor; (A) p63; (B) ki67.
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Fig. 3. Histopathological examination of resected malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor. (A) Proliferation islands of squamous epithelium with moderate nuclear pleomorphism and frequent mitoses (black arrow). Areas of abrupt trichilemmal keratinization (white arrows), focal calcification (white circle), and nuclear and cytoplasmic atypia (white box) are evident, along with a high mitotic index and necrosis (asterisk). The absence of a granular cell layer distinguishes this lesion from conventional squamous cell carcinoma. (Original magnification ×100); (B) High-power view demonstrating a central lobule of proliferating squamous epithelial cells with peripheral basal layer (asterisk) and central trichilemmal keratinization (white arrows). The tumor exhibits cellular pleomorphism, increased mitotic activity (white circle), and characteristic abrupt keratinization without granular cell layer formation (Original magnification ×400).

Approximately 3 years after the last surgical intervention and flap reconstruction, in late 2022, a new subcutaneous cystic lesion developed on the scalp near the previous surgical site. The lesion showed progressive growth over the following months, where imaging studies, including soft tissue ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, revealed irregular margins, increased soft tissue density, and underlying bone involvement suggestive of tumor recurrence and progression ([Fig. 4]) including bone infiltration ([Fig. 5]). Based on these findings, dermatologic oncology was consulted and recommended wide resection of the affected area with 2-cm margins, including deeper resection of the involved bone, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

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Fig. 4 MRI demonstrating (A) tumor recurrence, (B) axial FLAIR and (C) coronal T2-weighted sequences showing irregular lesions with poorly defined margins, increased soft tissue density, and underlying structural involvement consistent with tumor recurrence and progression.
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Fig. 5 CT scan demonstrating tumor recurrence with bone involvement. (A) Axial, (B) Sagital, (C) Coronal CT scan showing heterogeneous soft tissue mass with right parietal osteolytic component.

Surgical Procedure

In March 2023, under general anesthesia and with the patient in the supine position and head in neutral alignment, a wide bicoronal incision was performed. Subperiosteal dissection was performed to expose the previous surgical site, and after mobilization of the anterior and posterior scalp flaps, a friable, ulcerated, yellowish tumor involving the frontoparietal region was revealed and resected en-bloc down to the dura mater; necrotic tissue was collected for histopathological analysis.

Upon evaluation of the bone, widespread infiltration was observed in the bifrontal and biparietal regions leading to a wide craniectomy using a high-speed drill and Kerrison rongeurs until macroscopically healthy bone margins were identified ([Fig. 6]). Tumor remnants involving the epidural space and the right frontobasal dura were carefully dissected and completely removed. The surgical field was thoroughly irrigated with an antiseptic solution, and hemostasis was achieved using hemostatic agents and Hemopatch application. Primary dural closure was performed, followed by multilayer scalp reconstruction, and both bone and soft tissue specimens were submitted for complete pathological evaluation. No intraoperative complications occurred, and the patient tolerated the procedure well.

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Fig. 6 (A) Cutaneous flap is secured anteriorly for better exposure of the skull bone compromised by tumor invasion. (B) The compromised bone is removed. (C) After hemostasis is performed, we visualize the edges of the craniectomy macroscopically free of tumor involvement.

Histopathological examination once again confirmed the diagnosis of MPTT; however, the surgical margins were free of tumor infiltration. Based on these findings, the patient underwent cranioplasty and a new scalp reconstruction with grafting.


Postoperative Period

Clinically, the patient experienced no further complications. Subsequent radiological follow-up in October 2024 showed no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, or radiological signs of tumor recurrence. Also, a follow-up biopsy confirmed the absence of tumor recurrence. As of the most recent evaluation, the patient has remained recurrence-free for two and a half years and continues under multidisciplinary follow-up.


Discussion

MPTT is an uncommon adnexal neoplasm that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its histological similarity to squamous cell carcinoma and its unpredictable clinical course. While most cases follow an indolent behavior, some variants exhibit deep local invasion and resistance to the gold-standard treatment, which is the wide local excision with clean margins of healthy tissue.[3]

Recent reports have emphasized the role of histopathologic features—such as cytologic atypia, high mitotic index, necrosis, and infiltrative growth patterns—in identifying more aggressive forms.[6] In some instances, additional immunohistochemical findings, including p53 and p63 overexpression, elevated Ki-67, reduced CD34 expression, and CK5, CK6, CK7, and CK17 expression, have also supported malignant behavior and lower differentiation.[10] [11] Our case presented histopathological findings such as atypical nuclei and trichilemmal keratinization within the tumor cell nests, as well as sarcomatoid areas consistent with malignant transformation. The tumor cells were positive for periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positivity for p63, CK5, CK6, and vimentin, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of 30% supporting the aggressive biological behavior of the lesion. There was negative expression for AML, desmin, and CD34—a profile that, although differing from the classical pattern of CD34 positivity, has been previously reported in MPTT with sarcomatoid components.[12] These aggressive histopathological features mentioned in the literature and also observed in our case, indicted a higher likelihood of aggressive behavior, which was the actual course of our case.

The patient underwent multiple surgical procedures including wide local excisions and extensive craniectomy, and proved to be refractory to standard management approaches with repeated recurrences despite performing local excisions with wide margins and using adjuvant radiotherapy, requiring multimodal treatment strategies. Abdelhammed et al described a case of high-risk MPTT also treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy; although in their case no recurrences were observed during follow-up; the authors emphasized the importance of rigorous postoperative surveillance in tumors with aggressive histological and clinical features.[10] Radiological imaging plays an important role in this context. CT and MRI with contrast, as well as PET scan, are essential not only for local staging but also to assess deep extension, bone involvement, and potential distant spread in advanced disease.[11] [13]

When MPTT involves calvarial bone like the case presented above, a more extensive surgical procedure is required. In our case, as in the MPTT case reported by Kemaloğlu et al the patient had bone invasion requiring wide excision with 1-cm surgical margin followed by adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy, highlighting the complexity of managing malignant presentations of MPTT.[14] In our patient, progressive tumor invasion made necessary a bifrontal, biparietal, and right temporal craniectomy followed by cranioplasty and scalp reconstruction. For large previously irradiated scalp defects, the latissimus dorsi free flap has proven to be a reliable option, providing durable vascularized coverage with better functional and aesthetic outcomes.[15]

Although radiotherapy is not part of the standard management, it has been used in selected recurrent cases or when surgery is not completely effective. Sutherland et al reported a complete clinical response following radical radiotherapy alone in a case of MPTT,[16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] in addition to previously cited reports, most of which describe the use of surgery combined with radiotherapy. Still, the decision to use radiotherapy must be individualized. Primarily employed in malignant and recurrent presentations, in our case, the decision to initiate radiotherapy in our patient was based on the tumor's aggression, histopathological features, and repeated recurrences despite multiple surgical approaches, reflecting its refractory and locally infiltrative course.

While craniotomy combined with radiotherapy for MPTT has indeed been reported, the rarity of our case lies in the combination of clinical features: (1) repeated local recurrences despite wide-margin resections; (2) two complete courses of adjuvant radiotherapy; (3) progressive and extensive calvarial involvement requiring a bifrontal, biparietal, and right temporal craniectomy; and (4) the need for multiple reconstructive procedures, including free flap and subsequent cranioplasty. Few published cases describe such extensive bony involvement or the need for repeated oncologic and reconstructive procedures. To contextualize the present case within the existing literature, we compiled all previously reported cases of recurrent MPTT requiring multiple surgical resections or dual treatment with radiotherapy ([Table 1]). These reports demonstrate that, although recurrence is uncommon, tumors with aggressive histopathological features may require repeated excisions and, in rare cases, calvarial resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. However, this combined approach is usually sufficient to prevent recurrences, unlike our case, which required multiple surgical procedures and even two sessions of radiotherapy. These features highlight the exceptionally aggressive and treatment-refractory nature of this tumor, distinguishing it from previously reported MPTT cases requiring craniotomy.

Table 1

Summary of previously reported cases of recurrent MPTT requiring multiple surgical resections

Author, year

Study sample

Tumor location

Number of surgeries

Recurrence/radiotherapy

Salient findings

Park et al (1997)[17]

One patient with MPTT of the scalp

Occipital scalp

Three (initial wide excision + two re-excisions for recurrence)

Two local recurrences.

RT: Not mentioned/No evidence

Tumor evolved over 10 y with progressively aggressive behavior. After two local recurrences, developed multiple distant metastases (cervical lymph nodes, periparotid region, chest). Histology showed increasing nuclear atypia and rising Ki-67 positivity correlating with progression.

Bae et al (2001)[18]

One patient with MPTT of the scalp

Occipital scalp

Three (initial excision + re-excision at 4 mo + surgery for metastatic disease)

One local recurrence, followed by metastatic progression.

RT: No.

Chemo: Yes (cisplatin + etoposide)

Aggressive clinical course with early local recurrence and rapid progression to distant metastases including CNS involvement. Despite repeated surgeries and combination chemotherapy, disease continued to disseminate. Underscores potential for highly malignant behavior in MPTT including rapid recurrence, metastatic spread, and poor response to treatment.

Rao et al (2011)[19]

One patient with MPTT of the scalp and postauricular region

Parieto-occipital and postauricular scalp

Three procedures (prior benign excisions + wide excision for recurrent MPTT)

Multiple local recurrences (tumor recurred within 2 mo after previous excision).

RT: No

Patient had history of multiple prior excisions of benign trichilemmal tumors. Most recent recurrence required wide excision for definitive management. No adjuvant therapy including radiotherapy or chemotherapy administered. Patient remained recurrence-free at 1-y follow-up.

Fieleke et al (2015)[20]

One patient with MPTT of the frontal scalp

Frontal scalp

Two (initial excision + Mohs re-excision)

One (residual tumor addressed surgically − margins positive after initial excision).

RT: Not specified

Residual tumor present after initial excision with positive margins. Second surgery using Mohs micrographic technique performed to achieve clear margins. No recurrence reported after Mohs. Radiotherapy not specified for this patient, although adjuvant radiotherapy can be considered in MPTT due to tumor aggressiveness.

Osto et al (2021)[4]

65 patients with MPTT of the scalp

Scalp

Surgery in 61/65 patients (93.8%).

Several patients required repeat surgeries for recurrences

11/45 with follow-up (24.4%) had one or multiple recurrences (local, nodal, or metastatic).

Pattern: One or multiple recurrences requiring repeat surgeries.

RT: Yes (adjuvant in aggressive/recurrent cases)

Systematic review of 65 MPTT cases. Patients typically presented with slow-growing scalp mass. Recurrence notable: 24.4% of followed patients had recurrences, often requiring repeat surgery. Regional lymph-node spread (15.4%) and distant metastasis (9.2%) also observed. Surgery—preferably Mohs—remains main treatment, with RT/chemo used in aggressive or recurrent cases.

Virdi et al (2021)[21]

One patient with MPTT of the scalp eroding calvarium and extending intracranially

Scalp with full-thickness calvarial erosion and intracranial extension

≥10 total (nine prior surgeries over 34 y + 1 diagnostic excision). Final surgery: limited excision only (patient declined wide excision)

Multiple recurrences (benign-appearing lesions over 34 y, then malignant transformation).

RT: Yes (66 Gy, definitive treatment)

Patient had 10 prior scalp surgeries over 34 y for recurrent benign-appearing lesions. Bone erosion and intracranial extension highlight that recurrent trichilemmal lesions can undergo malignant transformation and invade deeply, requiring preoperative imaging, MDT management, and sometimes nonsurgical definitive therapy. Radical radiotherapy achieved good early response in this surgically high-risk case.

Kemaloğlu et al (2022)[14]

Four patients with MPTT of the scalp

Scalp

Case 2 (M, 69): two surgeries (initial excision with 2-mm positive margin + re-excision with 5-mm margin). Other cases (Cases 1, 3, 4): Single surgery with 1-cm margins + adjuvant RT

Case 2: One local + metastatic recurrence at 20 mo.

RT: Planned but not delivered.

Chemo: Yes.

Other cases: zero recurrences.

RT: Yes (50–60 Gy)

Only case 2 required more than one surgery and later developed metastatic recurrence despite re-excision and chemotherapy. The remaining three patients (cases 1, 3, 4), all of whom received adjuvant radiotherapy, showed no recurrence during follow-up. Authors emphasize that even tumors with low Ki-67 and no local invasion can behave aggressively, suggesting all MPTT patients may benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy.

Kearns-Turcotte et al (2022)[6]

Four cases of MPTT of the scalp and back

Scalp/back

Case 3: two surgeries (initial excision + Mohs + deep margin resection/reconstruction). Other cases (Cases 1, 2, 4): Single-session surgical management (wide local excision)

Case 3: Zero recurrences.

RT: No.

Other cases: Zero recurrences.

RT: No.

Follow-up: 5–36 mo

Across the series, no patient developed local recurrence during follow-up. Case 3 initially misdiagnosed as lipoma, requiring staged surgeries after MPTT discovered histologically, demonstrating how diagnostic uncertainty can lead to multiple procedures. Case 1 underwent extensive initial excisions of multiple tumors with flap and graft reconstruction (single-session). Although recurrence is absent in these cases, literature highlights MPTT can recur and occasionally metastasize, reinforcing need for complete margin control and close follow-up.

Abbreviations: Chemo, chemotherapy; CNS, central nervous system; F, female; Gy, gray; M, male; MDT, multidisciplinary team; MPTT, malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor; RT, radiotherapy.


Long-term follow-up is crucial given the potential for delayed recurrence of the MPTT. Several reports emphasize the importance of close clinical and radiological surveillance, particularly in patients with histologically and clinically aggressive features.[8] In our experience, multidisciplinary care and consistent monitoring were essential for achieving tumor control in this unusually aggressive case.


Conclusion

This case underscores that MPTT, though uncommon, can follow an unusually aggressive and unpredictable course. Beyond the well-documented potential for local invasion, our patient exhibited a rare combination of features—multiple recurrences despite wide resections, two full courses of radiotherapy, progressive calvarial destruction requiring bifrontal, biparietal, and temporal craniectomy, and the need for repeated reconstructive procedures. These characteristics place this presentation among the most treatment-refractory forms of the disease reported to date. Recognizing early histopathological markers of aggressiveness, ensuring complete excision with clear margins, and planning radiotherapy and reconstruction as part of a coordinated, staged strategy remain critical for optimizing outcomes in such complex cases. Continuous long-term surveillance is essential, as even initially controlled lesions may evolve toward extensive and structurally destabilizing involvement.



Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Authors' Contributions

F.A.-M. diagnosed the patient, supervised and contributed to the final version of the manuscript. P.A.V.-A. collected the data and wrote the first draft of the manuscript with the help of M.C.B.-L. and I.A.F.-F. M.C.B.-L. described the images used in the article with the help of I.A.F.-F. and P.A.V.-A. All authors provided critical feedback and contributed to the writing of the manuscript.


Ethical Approval

The study was conducted according to the principles established in the Declaration of Helsinki.


Patients' Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all the participants of the study.



Address for correspondence

Pablo Alfredo Vargas Ardila, MD
Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Militar Central
Diag 107 # 6–90, Bogotá 11011
Colombia   

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2026

© 2026. Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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Zoom
Fig. 1 Recurrent malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT). Exophytic trichilemmal tumor with central ulceration and keratinous debris at previous excision site. Surrounding post-radiation alopecic changes with tumor recurrence requiring neurosurgical evaluation for deep extension.
Zoom
Fig. 2 Immunohistochemical staining of the slices from a resected tumor; (A) p63; (B) ki67.
Zoom
Fig. 3. Histopathological examination of resected malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor. (A) Proliferation islands of squamous epithelium with moderate nuclear pleomorphism and frequent mitoses (black arrow). Areas of abrupt trichilemmal keratinization (white arrows), focal calcification (white circle), and nuclear and cytoplasmic atypia (white box) are evident, along with a high mitotic index and necrosis (asterisk). The absence of a granular cell layer distinguishes this lesion from conventional squamous cell carcinoma. (Original magnification ×100); (B) High-power view demonstrating a central lobule of proliferating squamous epithelial cells with peripheral basal layer (asterisk) and central trichilemmal keratinization (white arrows). The tumor exhibits cellular pleomorphism, increased mitotic activity (white circle), and characteristic abrupt keratinization without granular cell layer formation (Original magnification ×400).
Zoom
Fig. 4 MRI demonstrating (A) tumor recurrence, (B) axial FLAIR and (C) coronal T2-weighted sequences showing irregular lesions with poorly defined margins, increased soft tissue density, and underlying structural involvement consistent with tumor recurrence and progression.
Zoom
Fig. 5 CT scan demonstrating tumor recurrence with bone involvement. (A) Axial, (B) Sagital, (C) Coronal CT scan showing heterogeneous soft tissue mass with right parietal osteolytic component.
Zoom
Fig. 6 (A) Cutaneous flap is secured anteriorly for better exposure of the skull bone compromised by tumor invasion. (B) The compromised bone is removed. (C) After hemostasis is performed, we visualize the edges of the craniectomy macroscopically free of tumor involvement.