Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma confused with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in childhood

Summary Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is very rare in childhood, especially without predisposing factors or underlying diseases. We report the case of a desmoplastic trichoepithe- lioma misdiagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a 12 years old boy Only accurate multiple reviews of the histological samples and repeated questioning of the mother could finally clarify the diagnostic dilemma. Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma is a quite uncommon benign adnexal tumor with a reported incidence, in adults, of 1 in 5000 skin biopsies. It usually affects the face of middle-aged women, but it has been reported at any age. The treatment of desmoplastic thricoepithelioma includes curettage and electrodesiccation or surgical removal. Recurrence or appearance of new lesions is rare. The diagnosis of squa- mous cell carcinoma in a child without predisposing factors should be accepted with great caution and only after expert histological review.