A case of pyogenic granuloma recurrent with satellite lesions

Abstract

A 10-year-old Japanese female was referred to our hospital for a rapidly growing and easily bleeding nodule on her right temple. A physical examination revealed a red ulcerated nodule on her right temple. Our clinical diagnosis was pyogenic granuloma (PG), and cryotherapy was performed several times. However, this did not remove the tumor;therefore, we excised it under local anesthesia. A histopathological examination of the removed tumor showed vascular proliferations arranged in discrete lobules in the dermis. Based on these findings, we confirmed the diagnosis of PG. About 4 months after the surgery, small nodules gradually developed around the surgical scar. The patient returned to our hospital 1 year after the surgery. A physical examination showed multiple, small, red papules scattered around the surgical scar. Based on the clinical findings of this case, we made a diagnosis of the recurrence of PG with satellitosis (RPGS). The lesions disappeared after 6 months of topical steroid and liquid nitrogen therapy. RPGS is a rare phenomenon, but its diagnosis and management can be problematic. It is important for physicians to recognize this phenomenon and inform patients of the possibility of recurrence and the development of satellite lesions after PG is resected. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 440-442, August, 2025