Published Paper Details:

Background: Pilomatrixoma, also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a benign skin tumor originating from hair matrix cells. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic tool for preoperative evaluation, although its accuracy can be challenging due to the tumor's diverse cellular composition. Objective: To evaluate the cytological features of pilomatrixoma using FNAC and to highlight the diagnostic challenges and key characteristics. Methods: FNAC samples were obtained from 3 patients. The samples were stained with Giemsa stain and examined under a microscope to identify characteristic cytological features. Results: The FNAC of pilomatrixoma revealed a distinctive combination of basaloid cells, ghost cells, and foreign body giant cells. Basaloid cells appeared small, round to oval with scant cytoplasm. Ghost cells were anucleate squamous cells with a shadowy appearance. Foreign body giant cells were multinucleated and often surrounded by calcified material.