Inverted Follicular Keratosis of the Ear Lobe Masquerading as Malignancy
October 2025
in “
The Sri Lanka Journal of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This case report highlights the diagnostic challenge of inverted follicular keratosis, emphasizing the importance of histopathology for accurate differentiation from malignancies.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Inverted follicular keratosis (IFK) is a rare benign tumor of the hair follicle that can be mistaken for malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma due to its similar appearance. This case report discusses a 66-year-old male with a painful nodule on his left ear lobe, initially suspected to be a malignant condition. However, a punch biopsy and histopathological examination confirmed it as IFK. The case emphasizes the importance of histopathology in accurately diagnosing IFK and differentiating it from malignant tumors, with surgical excision being the primary treatment approach.
