The clinicopathologic spectrum of rhinophyma

We report the results of a clinicopathologic study of 17 patients with rhinophyma in different stages of evolution, with particular attention paid to the severe form of this disease. On the basis of clinical features, we identified 2 groups of patients: the first group (12/17 patients) included patients with the common form of rhinophyma, whereas the second one (5/17 patients) included patients with the severe form of the disease. There was no link between the clinical aspect and the duration of the disease. Microscopic examination of specimens obtained from the classic type of rhinophyma substantially showed the histopathologic features of fully developed rosacea, except for the presence of prominent sebaceous hyperplasia. The second group showed a very different histologic pattern displaying marked dermal thickness, absence of folliculosebaceous structures, sclerotic collagen bundles with large amounts of mucin, and spreading telangiectasia. The inflammatory infiltrate was inconspicuous, with numerous interstitial spindle and bizarre cells. Most of the interstitial cells were reactive to factor XIIIa. The severe form of rhinophyma shares many histologic characteristics with elephantiasis caused by chronic lymphedema.