Multiple Trichofolliculomas in An Adolescent Female: A Case Report

Martin  Agyei; Priscilla Abrafi  Opare-Addo; Serwaa Asare-Bediako

doi:10.4314/just.v42i4.1891

Martin Agyei Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3992-1774
Priscilla Abrafi Opare-Addo Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2194-775X
Serwaa Asare-Bediako Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7471-0219

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v42i4.1891

Keywords: Multiple, Benign, Follicle, Trichofolliculomas, Case report

Abstract

Trichofolliculoma is a rare benign tumour of hair follicle tissue that is often found on the face and neck. It is usually a dome-shaped papule or nodule with a central pore and a tuft of immature hairs growing through it. It typically presents as a solitary lesion, with onset in adulthood. We report a rare case of multiple facial trichofolliculomas in an adolescent female, with onset in childhood. The patient was a 12-year-old who presented with non-pruritic facial lesions of seven years duration that were occasionally painful. On examination, multiple skin-coloured nodules and papules with central pores confined to the face were noted. The lesions were numerous, hence presenting a challenge in individually counting them. Nevertheless, we estimated the number of lesions to exceed 120. There was no hair, nails, mucosae, or systemic involvement. The clinical diagnosis of trichofolliculoma was confirmed with an excision biopsy of a single lesion for histopathology. Treatment was with curettage under local anaesthesia for cosmetic reasons. Healing was rapid (within four to five days) with no significant scarring or recurrence after six months of follow-up. Multiple trichofolliculomas, though uncommon, can manifest in young patients. Histological diagnosis is critical in treatment because it helps to rule out similar conditions.

Author Biographies

Martin Agyei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Dr. Martin Agyei is a dermatologist with over 20 years of experience at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. He is also a senior lecturer in Internal Medicine at the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He earned his medical degree (MBChB) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), completed specialist training in dermatology at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University of Ghana, and holds a Certificate in Dermatology (ClinDerm) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (London). Dr. Agyei is a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCGPS) and a member of the Ghana Dermatology Society. Dr. Agyei has published numerous papers in reputable journals and presented at international conferences. He has earned him a reputation for providing comprehensive care for a wide range of skin conditions, from common dermatological issues to complex, rare diseases. His commitment to patient care is matched by his ongoing contributions to research and education in the field of dermatology. His work in medical education is focused on integrating global dermatological practices with the local healthcare landscape, ensuring that students are prepared to address the unique needs of patients in Ghana and Africa at large.

Priscilla Abrafi Opare-Addo, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Priscilla Abrafi Opare-Addo (MD, MWACP) is a physician specialist in Internal Medicine and a Neurology Fellow-in-training at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. She also adjunct lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology (KNUST). She completed her medical school training at KNUST. She is a member of the West African College of Physicians. Priscilla is an early career researcher with a passion for the integration of research with clinical work to improve patient outcomes. As a prolific researcher, she has authored multiple peer- reviewed articles in stroke and other neurological diseases. Her goal for pursuing a career in neurology is to contribute significantly to the advancement of stroke care in Africa through innovative and comprehensive approaches. Her research interest is in implementation of stroke interventions/systems of care,stroke prevention, stroke genetics, and biomarkers. Her current work is geared towards instituting for the incorporation of acute stroke care intervention such as thrombolysis into routine stroke care in Ghana. She is also serves as a co-investigator for several ongoing Stroke RCTs in Ghana. She is currently a scholar for the Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Research Training (S-CaRT) funded by the Fogarty International Centre (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Training Africans to Lead and Execute Neurological Trials & Studies (TALENTS) Program. She currently serves on the planning committee of the African Stroke Organization (ASO).

Serwaa Asare-Bediako, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Dr. Serwaa Asare Bediako is a resident in General Surgery with a keen interest in advancing medical practice through research and clinical excellence. She has her MD at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology and is currently undergoing residency training in General Surgery, with the West African College of Surgeons. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Asare Bediako is also an early career researcher focused on surgical outcomes, patient safety, and healthcare quality improvement. She is particularly passionate about exploring innovative approaches to enhancing surgical recovery, minimizing complications, and addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Dr. Asare Bediako's research aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and evidence-based medicine. She actively engages in clinical research projects, collaborating with senior researchers and healthcare professionals to translate scientific findings into practical applications that can improve patient care. Dr. Asare Bediako is committed to lifelong learning and professional development. She is deeply involved in educational initiatives, mentoring medical students, and advocating for more inclusive training environments for women and underrepresented minorities in surgery and medical research. With a strong foundation in both patient care and research, she aspires to make meaningful contributions to the field of surgery, while advocating for health equity and continuous improvements in healthcare delivery.