“Exploring the intersection of albinism and Trichilemmal carcinoma: A case of bilateral trichilemmal carcinoma in the axilla”

TL;DR

A 35-year-old albino patient developed bilateral trichilemmal carcinoma in the axilla, highlighting the increased skin cancer risk in albinism and the need for tailored prevention.

Contribution

This case report documents a rare instance of bilateral trichilemmal carcinoma in an albino patient, emphasizing the need for vigilance in managing skin cancer risks in albinism.

Findings

Trichilemmal carcinoma was confirmed in both axillary masses with clear tumor margins after surgical excision.

The patient's albinism likely increased susceptibility to skin malignancies despite prior squamous cell carcinoma recovery.

The case underscores the importance of sun protection and proactive management for individuals with albinism.

Abstract

Albinism is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the absence of melanin in the skin, albinism has a prevalence of 1 in 1000 in sub-Saharan Africa, with a lack of melanin increased risk of skin malignancy. Trichlemmal carcinoma is a rare malignant adnexal tumor mostly in sun-exposed areas.

We are presenting a case of a 35-year-old albino patient with a previous history of squamous cell carcinoma with full recovery. Presented with bilateral axillary masses with no other finding in history or examination. Short period deference between the two tumors with rapidly growing course. Both tumors were excised but in different operations, one covered with latissimus dorsi and the other primarily. Both tumor histopathologies revealed trichilemmal carcinoma with a free tumor margin.

Albinism, caused by tyrosine deficiency and characterized by a lack of melanin, significantly increases susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Trichlmmal carcinoma TLC, an uncommon malignancy from hair follicle structures, is notably rare, comprising <0.005 % of adnexal carcinomas. Post-surgical analysis confirmed TLC with clear margins, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow-up to monitor for recurrence or new lesions. Strong sun protection measures—such as protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen—are essential for individuals with albinism.

This case illustrates the necessity for healthcare providers to be aware of the diverse skin cancer risks in patients with albinism and to implement tailored preventive strategies.

•Albinism is autosomal recessive disorder characterized by absence of melanin in skin, albinism has prevalence 1 in 1000 in sub-Saharan Africa, with lack melanin increased risk of skin malignancy. Trichlemmal carcinoma is rare malignant adnexal tumor mostly in sun exposed area.•we are presenting case of 35 years old albino patient with previous history of squamous cell carcinoma with full recovery. Presenting with bilateral axillary masses with short period deference in between with rapidly growing course. Both tumor were excised but in different operation one covered with litassmus dorsi and the other primarily. Both tumor histopathology reviled trichlmmal carcinoma with free tumor margin.•This case illustrates the necessity for healthcare providers to be aware of the diverse skin cancer risks in patients with albinism and to implement tailored preventive strategies. Future research should explore genetic predispositions and environmental influences on rare skin cancers in this vulnerable population. Overall, while albinism is primarily associated with pigmentation issues, its implications for skin cancer risk are significant and warrant proactive management.

Albinism is autosomal recessive disorder characterized by absence of melanin in skin, albinism has prevalence 1 in 1000 in sub-Saharan Africa, with lack melanin increased risk of skin malignancy. Trichlemmal carcinoma is rare malignant adnexal tumor mostly in sun exposed area.

we are presenting case of 35 years old albino patient with previous history of squamous cell carcinoma with full recovery. Presenting with bilateral axillary masses with short period deference in between with rapidly growing course. Both tumor were excised but in different operation one covered with litassmus dorsi and the other primarily. Both tumor histopathology reviled trichlmmal carcinoma with free tumor margin.

This case illustrates the necessity for healthcare providers to be aware of the diverse skin cancer risks in patients with albinism and to implement tailored preventive strategies. Future research should explore genetic predispositions and environmental influences on rare skin cancers in this vulnerable population. Overall, while albinism is primarily associated with pigmentation issues, its implications for skin cancer risk are significant and warrant proactive management.

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