DP18: A Mimicker of Melanoma on Sun-Exposed Sites
June 2025
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Melanocytic matricoma can look like skin cancer but is usually harmless; surgery and follow-up are advised.
Melanocytic matricoma is a rare, benign lesion originating from the hair follicle, often mistaken for melanoma or basal cell carcinoma due to its clinical and histological similarities. It typically appears as a dark purple–black papule on sun-exposed areas like the head or neck, particularly in older males with a history of sun damage. Although generally benign, there is a small risk of malignancy, prompting recommendations for complete surgical excision and follow-up. The study reports two cases where lesions were excised with clear margins, emphasizing the importance of histological analysis in distinguishing melanocytic matricoma from other malignant conditions.