Age
Frequency - International
Sex
Frequency - United States
Race
Pilomatrixomas have long been considered uncommon cutaneous tumors; however, they may be more common than is realized, especially in children and young adults. In one American dermatopathology laboratory, pilomatrical neoplasms were considered the most common solid cutaneous tumors in patients aged 20 years or younger.
In one dermatopathology laboratory in the United Kingdom, pilomatrixomas accounted for 1 in 500 histologic specimens. Investigators found 37 cases published in Japanese dental journals between 1977 and 1994. In Turkey, 15 patients were seen in a pediatric surgery clinic from 1984-1994. In France, a retrospective study of records in one surgery clinic revealed 33 patients who had undergone surgery for pilomatrixomas between 1989 and 1997.
Most reported cases have occurred in white persons. Whether this represents publication bias or a true racial predisposition is unclear.
Most studies report a slight preponderance in females. In one retrospective study of 209 cases, the female-to-male ratio was 1.5:1.
Most reported cases have occurred in children. Lesions are often discovered in the first 2 years of life; however, in a retrospective study of 209 cases published in 1998, investigators found the age of presentation showed a bimodal pattern, with the first peak being 5-15 years and the second being 50- 65 years.
