Extramedullary haematopoiesis causing spinal cord compression: A rare presentation with excellent outcome

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) as a cause of spinal cord compression in patients with thalassaemia major is very rare. Treatment of EMH includes the use of radiotherapy, hypertransfusion, laminectomy and chemotherapy in the form of hydroxyurea We report a presentation of progressive paraparesis due to a sacral mass in a 7 year old child undergoing repeated blood transfusions for thalassaemia major who had a dramatic improvement in symptoms after radiotherapy. A standard recommendation regarding the radiation dose required is not available but a dose of 20Gy delivered over 10 fractions seems to be effective and well tolerated

Malignant pilar tumor of the scalp: A case report and review of literature

Pilar tumor is a rare neoplasm arising from the external root sheath of the hair follicle and is most commonly observed on the scalp. These tumors are largely benign, often cystic, and are characterized by trichilemmal keratinization. Wide local excision has been the standard treatment. Recent reports have described a rare malignant variant with an aggressive clinical course and a propensity for nodal and distant metastases which, therefore, merits aggressive treatment. In this report, we present a case of malignant pilar tumor of the scalp with multiple nodal metastases at presentation. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, in the form of adjuvant radiotherapy, are subsequently discussed

Malignant pilar tumor of the scalp: A case report and review of literature

Pilar tumor is a rare neoplasm arising from the external root sheath of the hair follicle and is most commonly observed on the scalp. These tumors are largely benign, often cystic, and are characterized by trichilemmal keratinization. Wide local excision has been the standard treatment. Recent reports have described a rare malignant variant with an aggressive clinical course and a propensity for nodal and distant metastases which, therefore, merits aggressive treatment. In this report, we present a case of malignant pilar tumor of the scalp with multiple nodal metastases at presentation. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, in the form of adjuvant radiotherapy, are subsequently discussed