Track

Clinical Studies

Abstract

Background: Inverted Follicular Keratosis (IFK) is a rare, benign tumor from the follicular infundibulum, characterized by invaginated proliferation of squamous cells forming squamous eddies. Its diverse clinical and histological appearance poses diagnostic challenges. We aimed to elucidate IFK's clinical and pathological features.

Method: A cross-sectional analysis of 56 patients with IFK between 2016 and 2020 was focused on demographic data, lesion characteristics, pathological findings, and treatment outcomes.

Result: The cohort had a mean age of 50.71 years and was predominantly male (73.2%), with lesions mostly located on the face (57.1%). The lesions varied in size from 0.3 to 3 cm, with an average size of 1.01 cm. The majority were papular, followed by nodular, plaque, verrucous, and ulcer types, in descending order of frequency. Most patients (95%) had solitary lesions, predominantly of short duration (less than 3 months). Surgical excision was the primary treatment. Pathologically, 50% of lesions exhibited both exo- and endophytic characteristics, with presence of squamous eddies (80%), parakeratosis (79%), hyperkeratosis (41.1%), dyskeratotic cells (62.5%), and a predominance of lymphocytic inflammation. A notable association was found between the presence of keratin plugs and lesion location, but no significant correlation was observed between lesion duration and pathological features.

Conclusion: This study underscores IFK's clinical and pathological diversity, especially its prevalence in middle-aged males. Recognition of its varied presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management, typically involving surgical excision due to its benign nature. However, further research is warranted to delve into underlying mechanisms and explore non-surgical treatment options.