Eruptive syringoma: 27 new cases and review of the literature

Syringoma - a rare tumour: Case report and review of literature

Syringomas are benign tumours originating from the eccrine ducts. Lower eyelid is the commonest site of origin. Very few cases have been reported in literature till date. Histopathology demonstrates normal compressed eccrine ducts in the fibrous capsule along with tumour cells arranged in tubules and solid islands. This report describes a case of syringoma on the lower eyelid in a female patient.

Syringomatous dermatitis: a myth or an existing entity?

Syringoma is rare disease that in classical variant occurs mainly on lower eyelids. In previously published researches, there is increasing evidence that eruptive syringomas must be discussed as an inflammatory dermal reaction pattern. And there was a proposal to change a name from eruptive syringoma to reactive syringomatous proliferation in appropriate cases. We conduct retrospective study on histopathological archived material to study the histopathological findings in cases of eruptive syringomas and correlate it with hypothesis that eruptive syringomas is not true adnexal neoplasms "de novo" but a hyperplastic response of the acrosyringium to an inflammatory process.According to obtained data and literature correlation, we can conclude that there is apparent diversity in eruptive syringomas. Part of cases can be calculated as neoplastic lesions arising "de novo," and another part as reactive syringomatous proliferation due to preceding cutaneous inflammatory process. Thus, term "eruptive syringoma" may be changed in appropriate cases to a "reactive syringomatous proliferation."Clinical variants of eruptive syringoma with evidence of underlying inflammatory process may be more responsive on types of treatments used for inflammatory disorders. Thus, more global clinicopathological correlative researches should be conducted and classification with terminology should be appropriately changed.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Syringoma: A Report of 50 Cases From a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Background Syringoma is a benign adnexal neoplasm and is considered safe with very low malignant potential. However, multiple tiny lesions typically affect the face and exposed area, which may cause a cosmetic concern for the patient. After a clinical diagnosis, there are two methods to diagnose syringoma: fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and histopathology. FNAC is generally used for the initial evaluation of syringoma, while histopathology is used as a confirmatory test to diagnose syringoma. In developing and resource-limited settings, the combination of FNAC and histopathology would cause a financial and logistics burden. Objective This study aimed to observe the cytological and histopathological features of cases clinically diagnosed as syringomas in a tertiary care hospital to suggest the use of either FNAC or histopathology for diagnosing syringoma. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Department of Pathology of a tertiary care hospital in eastern India from November 2021 to April 2022. Any clinically provisionally diagnosed case of syringoma was recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent for voluntary participation. With aseptic precautions, the tissue aspirates and punch biopsy were obtained in the Department of Dermatology and the samples were sent to the Department of Pathology. Cytological and histological examination was conducted by a single expert pathologist. Result A total of 50 cases (36 female, 14 male) with a median age of 23 years (range 10-40 years) were included in the study. A total of 43 cases were presented with papular lesions and seven with nodules. In the majority of the cases (40%), the lesion was in the eyelid followed by 26% in the arm. In FNAC, 22 cases were found to be benign adnexal lesions, 16 were suggestive of syringoma, eight were diagnosed as xanthoma, two were diagnosed as warts, and two cases were inadequate for opinion. Histologically, 42 cases were confirmed as syringoma, six were diagnosed as xanthoma, and two cases were diagnosed as warts. There was a significant difference between diagnosis by FNAC and histopathology (McNemar χ² = 24.038, p-value = 0.0001). Conclusion We found that FNAC and histopathological diagnosis of syringoma may not be corroborative. Benign adnexal lesions are difficult to categorize by FNAC. Histopathological examination of clinically diagnosed cases of syringoma is of help for definitive diagnosis. Hence, FNAC may be avoided for saving time and discomfort for the patients and clinically diagnosed cases may be diagnosed by histopathological examination.

[Benign skin neoplasms in children]

There are many different types of skin neoplasms in children and most are benign. Dermatologists should be able to differentiate between the various types of benign skin neoplasms and be able to recommend optimal treatment to concerned patients. Surgical removal of benign skin neoplasms is often the only treatment option. The aim of this paper is to provide a general overview of epidermal lesions (e.g., inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus [ILVEN], nevus sebaceous), tumors of the epidermal appendages (e.g. pilomatrixoma), cutaneous neoplasms (e.g. angiofibroma), fibromatoses (e.g., knuckle pads), tumors comprised of fat, muscle, or bone tissue (e.g., osteoma cutis, subungual exostosis), epidermal cysts and pseudocysts, and pathologic fibrosis reactions after dermal injury (keloid). Scientific data are scarce and only in the last decade has it been possible to perform histopathological examinations and genetic studies together with detailed phenotyping to gain new understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms.

[The most common benign cutaneous neoplasms of the epidermis and appendages and their treatment]

Benign cutaneous neoplasms are well defined histologically with absence of all of the following features: architectural disorder, necrosis, cytologic atypia, and atypical mitotic figures. The clinical appearance of any neoplasm is a very important diagnostic factor. The classification of the lesion determines the therapeutic options. This article summarizes the clinical aspects and treatments of the most common benign tumors of the epidermis and its appendages.

Current Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Cutaneous Adnexal Neoplasms with Apocrine and Eccrine Differentiation

Adnexal tumors of the skin are a rare group of benign and malignant neoplasms that exhibit morphological differentiation toward one or more of the adnexal epithelium types present in normal skin. Tumors deriving from apocrine or eccrine glands are highly heterogeneous and represent various histological entities. Macroscopic and dermatoscopic features of these tumors are unspecific; therefore, a specialized pathological examination is required to correctly diagnose patients. Limited treatment guidelines of adnexal tumor cases are available; thus, therapy is still challenging. Patients should be referred to high-volume skin cancer centers to receive an appropriate multidisciplinary treatment, affecting their outcome. The purpose of this review is to summarize currently available data on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment approach for apocrine and eccrine tumors.

Imaging of Vulva Syringoma With Reflectance Confocal Microscopy

Objectives: To investigate the application of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging in diagnosis of vulva syringoma.

Methods: Patients with lesions suspicious of syringoma on vulva were enrolled in the study. After informed consent was taken, the lesions were photographed and imaged with RCM. The features of the lesion in confocal images were then analyzed and compared with the biopsy findings for histology correlation.

Results: Eleven cases in total were included in the study. The typical RCM features observed in syringoma are the presence of round to oval high refractive, and relatively monomorphous mass of varying sizes in the superficial and middle dermis, usually surrounded with 1–2 layers of light-dark line structures, which were further confirmed by histological evaluation. Ten cases showed classic features of syringoma and 1 case exhibited milia in RCM images.

Conclusions: Syringoma has distinct features in RCM imaging, which correlates well with histological findings, highlighting the potential role of RCM in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of vulva syringoma.

An unusual presentation of eruptive syringomas on the neck

Dermatologic manifestations can be the initial signs of a systemic disease, and a thorough investigation may be warranted to rule out a life-altering diagnosis. We present a case of an 11-year-old boy with a concurrent presentation of eruptive syringomas and juxtaclavicular beaded lines on his neck. While a biopsy confirmed the benign diagnosis, the initial presentation led to a concerning differential including pseudoxanthoma elasticum and warranted a complete investigation.

Dermoscopy Of The Month: Dermoscopic Finding of Pigment Network in Lesions of Eruptive Syringoma

Syringoma is a benign adnexal tumor derived from intraepidermal eccrine ducts. The usual presentation of syringoma is a small smooth skin-colored, yellowish or brownish papule with flattened or rounded top. Eruptive syringoma is a rarely reported form, where lesions are numerous and occur in successive crops. A case of a 57-year-old Caucasian male with a twenty four-year history of multiple asymptomatic, erythematous and brownish papules, predominantly over the anterior aspect of the trunk is presented. All lesions appeared after prolonged sun exposures within a few days and persisted without further changes afterwards. Contact non-polarized dermoscopy showed a fine light brown, regular pigment network on a light pink background, being the same in all lesions. History of the disease, clinical finding and dermoscopy were inconclusive, and biopsy was performed. Histopathology revealed signs of syringoma. Dermoscopic finding was thought to be intriguing and therefore is discussed in this paper.

Evaluation of Syringomas by In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy: A Report of Two Cases

Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors that are characterized histologically by the presence of small solid and cystic epithelial structures in the upper half of the reticular dermis. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic method that enables in vivo visualization of tissues with a resolution that approximates that of conventional histopathology. The use of this method in skin imaging over the past several years has improved dermatological diagnoses, creating the potential for its wide application in such diagnoses, especially for benign and malignant skin tumors. We describe its use in the diagnosis of syringoma in 2 patients and correlate the resulting clinical, histopathological, and digital reflectance confocal microscopy images.

Coexistence of eruptive syringoma and bilateral nipple vitiligo: Could there be a common immunopathogenesis?

The rarely seen eruptive syringoma (ES) is characterized by small, skin-colored, papules. Lesions are benign; however, treatment is often unsuccessful. Recent studies have a suggested role of the autoimmune response, rather than reactive proliferation of acrosyringium in the pathogenesis of ES. There are reports in the literature of an association between syringoma and diabetes mellitus as well as alopecia areata, which support a theory of an autoimmune role; however, there has been no report of coexistence of ES and vitiligo thus far. Presently described is a case of bilateral nipple vitiligo and eruptive syringoma in a 29-year old female.

Syringoma: A clinicopathological study of 244 cases

BACKGROUND

Syringomas are benign tumours of the sweat glands, the most familiar clinical presentation of which is the presence of multiple lesions on the eyelids. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical and histological characteristics of a large series of patients and to examine anatomoclinical correlations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted in all of the cases of syringoma analysed at the cutaneous histopathology laboratory in Strasbourg between 1970 and 2008. The clinical elements, patient history and diagnostic data were collated. All slides were re-read in order to determine the microscopic characteristics of the lesions.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-four lesions were included. The sex ratio was 0.27 and the mean age was 42 years (8 to 85 years). Multiple syringomas were noted in 76% of cases, of which 29.2% were eruptive, and one case occurred in a setting of metastatic melanoma. The sites of predilection were the face (56.7%, of which 36.3% on the eyelids), the chest (18.1%) and the neck (17.5%) for the multiple forms. The lesions were in the form of papules (67%), either brown (34.2%) or flesh-coloured (19.8%). Pruritus was reported in 14 cases, including 4 at vulvar sites (out of a total of 8). A diagnosis of syringoma was made by the clinician in only 30.2% of the multiple forms, with mastocytosis being proposed in 7.1% of cases. The clear-cell forms (18 cases) presented no special clinical features.

CONCLUSION

Syringomas are frequently multiple and are seen mainly in women. They are found predominantly on the face and trunk, and lesions are generally brown and pruritic, a little-known feature that accounts for the degree of diagnostic confusion with mastocytosis. The vulvar forms, which are often pruritic, are poorly known. The eruptive forms may include a hormonal component.

Eruptive Penile Syringomas in an Adolescent: Novel Approach with Serial Microexcisions and Suture-Adhesive Repair

Penile syringomas are benign adnexal tumors that are usually asymptomatic but can be cosmetically distressing. Because of the delicate nature of skin in this region, treatment is difficult, and there are few case reports of procedural destruction of these tumors. We report a case of successful surgical excision using Castroviejo ophthalmic scissors followed by primary closure with fast-absorbing plain gut suture and a cyanoacrylate adhesive application. This procedure was well tolerated and had an impressive cosmetic outcome.

Evaluation and management of the patient with multiple syringomas: A systematic review of the literature

Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors with distinct histopathologic features, including the characteristic comma ("tadpole") shaped tail comprised of dilated, cystic eccrine ducts. Clinically, syringomas typically present in adolescent females predominantly in the periorbital region. They may present as solitary or multiple lesions, and more rare sites of involvement include the genitals, palms, scalp, and the chest. Over the past 50 years, there have been >800 reported cases of syringoma either alone or in conjunction with a systemic syndrome, most commonly Down syndrome. The primary aim of this systematic review is to discuss the clinical features and associations of syringomas with a focus on the patient with multiple syringomas. Its secondary aims are to explore pathophysiology with a focus on multiple syringomas and provide comprehensive data on both traditional and novel treatments. Importantly, multiple syringomas present across a broad clinical spectrum. Though noted in many textbooks to be related to tumor syndromes, the association of syringomas with inherited tumor syndromes is only rarely reported in the literature. Despite multiple reported cases of syringoma, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood and treatment continues to pose a significant challenge.

Late-onset of eruptive syringomas: a diagnostic challenge

Syringoma is a benign, adnexal tumor of the eccrine sweat gland ducts. Eruptive syringomas are a rare variant, occurring before or during puberty in most cases. A 57-year-old man was observed in our department, with a 10-year history of multiple brownish papules (1-4mm in diameter), localized on the neck, shoulders, trunk and axillae. The clinical diagnosis was cutaneous mastocytosis. Histopathological examination from a papule in the trunk was compatible with the diagnosis of syringoma. The patient was treated with isotretinoin, without any improvement. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive syringoma is difficult and histological examination is crucial for its diagnosis. Long-term morbidity is not associated with syringomas; they are treated for cosmetic reasons with unsatisfactory results.

Challenges in the diagnosis of cutaneous adnexal tumours

The diagnosis of cutaneous adnexal neoplasms, a heterogeneous group of entities, is often perceived by practising pathologists as challenging. A systematic approach to diagnosis is necessary for classification of these lesions, which establishes the tumour differentiation (follicular, sebaceous, sweat gland or apocrine) and evaluates histological features differentiating between benign and malignant entities. Consideration of clinical history is a necessary adjunct in evaluation of the adnexal neoplasm, as characteristic anatomical sites are described for many adnexal lesions. In some instances, immunohistochemical studies may also be employed to aid the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis between primary cutaneous adnexal neoplasms and cutaneous metastases from visceral tumours may also be difficult. Clinical, radiological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics will be further discussed, considering that the correct diagnosis has a significant impact on the patient's management and prognosis.

Generalized eruptive syringoma

Eruptive syringoma is a very rare variant of syringoma. It is a benign adnexal tumor of the intraepidermal portion of eccrine sweat ducts. Here we report a 32-year-old female presented with classical asymptomatic eruptive syringomas involving her face and extremities.

Familial eruptive syringomas: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Syringomas are benign neoplasms of eccrine origin. A clinical variant is eruptive syringomas, which presents as firm, smooth, yellow to pigmented papules that appear as successive crops on the neck, axillae, chest, abdomen, and/or periumbilical region. To our knowledge, there are only 10 published reports of familial eruptive syringomas. Herein we describe the eleventh report of familial eruptive syringomas, review the literature on this unusual presentation, and suggest a novel classification of familial syringomas based on our literature review.

OBSERVATIONS

We report two cases of eruptive syringoma within a family. Eruptive syringomas were widely distributed on the trunk of a healthy 16-year-old female and her 19-year-old brother. Both the 19-year-old man and his mother also had infraorbital syringomas.

CONCLUSION

Familial eruptive syringomas are a rare clinical entity that is likely autosomal dominantly inherited. Future reports of this unusual condition may provide further insight into the etiology of familial syringomas, and genetic analysis of cases may enable the causative gene mutation to be determined.

Cutaneous syringoma: a clinicopathologic study of 34 new cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Syringoma is a benign adnexal tumor derived from intraepidermal eccrine duct.

AIM

The aim of the study is to report the experience concerning syringoma by reviewing the clinical and histopathologic features of a series of 34 histologically diagnosed syringoma patients observed over a period of six years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients were sorted into two groups, localized and generalized syringoma, according to the Friedman and Butler classification. Different histopathologic findings were recorded in specially designed questionnaires for further analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven percent of the patients were females with the mean age of 27.6 years. The mean duration of the lesions before the presentations was six years. The diagnosis of syringoma was only considered in 23 patients (67.6%) and was the initial diagnosis in only 13 (38.2%) patients. All histological findings were seen more common in our cases. in comparison to the documented cases in the literature. Clear cell change of epithelial eccrine cells was 85.2% and there was no difference in the histopathological findings in the two groups. Our patients with generalized syringoma (GS) had a considerable lower age of onset than the ones with localized syringoma (LS) (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Our patients with generalized syringoma were younger than the ones with localized syringoma. Distribution of the generalized syringoma was mainly in the chest and neck followed by the forearms whereas localized syringoma was mostly confined to the face, axilla and genitalia. There were also some conditions associated with our cases including sarcoidosis, calcinosis cutis and basal cell carcinoma.

An unusual case of eruptive syringomas presenting as itchy symmetrical lesions on both forearms in a patient of hyperkeratotic eczema

This report describes an unusual case of bilaterally symmetrically occurring hyperpigmented itchy popular lesions on both forearms of a 50-year-old woman. The woman had antecedent hyperkeratotic eczema of the feet and she had a similar eruption in the past which had cleared with topical steroid application. Biopsy of the lesion showed syringomas. We present this case to highlight an unusual case of bilaterally symmetrical papular pruritic eruption against a background of hyperkeratotic eczema. Some syringomas are supposed to be a response to an inflammatory trigger and we wonder if in this case the eczema acted as an inflammatory trigger.

Gender aspects in skin diseases

Gender differences in medicine have been recognized in anatomy, physiology, as well as in epidemiology and manifestations of various diseases. With respect to skin disorders, males are generally more commonly afflicted with infectious diseases while women are more susceptible to psychosomatic problems, pigmentary disorders, certain hair diseases, and particularly autoimmune as well as allergic diseases. Significantly, more female sex-associated dermatoses can be identified than the male sex-associated dermatoses. Dermatoses in the genital area differ between men and women. Gender differences also exist in the occurrence and prognosis of certain skin malignancies. The mechanisms underlying gender differences in skin diseases remain largely unknown. Differences in the skin structure and physiology, effect of sex hormones, ethnic background, sociocultural behaviour and environmental factors may interact to exert the influences. A better understanding of gender differences in human health and diseases will allow the development of novel concepts for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of skin diseases.

Generalized eruptive syringomas

Generalized eruptive syringoma is a rare clinical presentation of a benign adnexal tumor that derives from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat ducts. It presents as successive crops of small flesh-colored papules on the anterior body surfaces. It generally occurs in the peripubertal period. Treatment of this benign condition is cosmetic only. A case of a 28-year-old female with an eight-year history of eruptive syringoma is presented.

Coexistence of Acral Syringomas and Multiple Trichoepitheliomas on the Face

Background:

An extremely rare variant of syringoma is an acral form, which affects the upper extremities as an isolated finding. The acral syringomas may also be associated with syringomas on the feet or usual distribution around the eyelids. Of the eight previously documented cases of acral syringomas, all were located on the dorsal aspect of the upper extremities (fingers, hand, wrist, or forearm) dominantly.

Objective:

We report a 41-year-old woman who presented with multiple flesh-colored to reddish brown papules on the inner aspect of the forearms and many pearly, small papules on the periorbital regions.

Results:

The clinical picture and histopathology indicated the coexistence of acral syringomas and multiple trichoepitheliomas on the face.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acral syringomas coexisting with multiple trichoepitheliomas.

Eruptive syringoma developed over a waxing skin area

Syringomas are benign, eccrine, sweat gland tumors that clinically appear as small skin-colored or yellow papules. Eruptive syringomas are rare variants that typically develop on the body's cutaneous anterior surface. Syringomas on the genital area have rarely been reported, although several authors maintain that syringoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pubic pruritic papular dermatitis. We present a case of a 31-year-old man with multiple, eruptive, asymptomatic papules involving the pubic area developed after waxing of the zone. Histological examination revealed disseminated syringomata. We postulate that the lesions were induced by depilation with a subsequently reactive inflammatory process resulting in a hyperplastic reaction of the eccrine ducts. This case supports the previous hypothesis suggesting that some of the so-called "eruptive syringomas" may start as a primary inflammatory eccrine reaction.

The Treatment of Syringomas by CO2Laser Using a Multiple-Drilling Method

BACKGROUND

Syringomas are relatively common benign adnexal tumors, predominantly developing in middle-aged women. They frequently involve the periorbital areas and cause cosmetic problems. Up to now, various treatment modalities such as electrodesiccation, laser ablation, cryosurgery, and some chemical peelings have been tried. All of them, however, have the possibilities of frequent recurrences and postoperative complications such as scarring or pigmentary changes.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a multiple-drilling method in the treatment of syringomas.

METHODS

We tried a new multiple-drilling method using CO(2) laser for 11 patients having syringomas. Clinical improvement and complications were evaluated by medical records and pre- and postlaser photograph review.

RESULTS

All patients had good or excellent cosmetic results. No complications, such as scarring, erythema, and pigmentary changes, were observed.

CONCLUSION

The multiple-drilling method by CO(2) laser might be an alternative to gain good cosmetic results without complications if applied repeatedly. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Syringoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistologic study and results of treatment

The purpose of our study was to describe clinical and histopathological features of sixty one patients with histological diagnosis of syringoma over four year period in our dermatology clinic in Korea. Female:male ratio was 6.6:1 with onset of age during 2nd and 3rd decades in more than half of the patients in our study. The most frequently involved site was eyelids (43 cases, 70.5%) and the most common color of lesion was skin-color (30 cases, 49.2%). In 34 cases, characteristic tad-pole appearances (55.7%) were observed. Basal hyperpigmentation was observed more frequently in brown-colored lesion (p=0.005). Fibrosis was observed more frequently in erythematous lesion (p=0.033). Keratin cyst was observed less frequently in genital involved group (p=0.006). We also performed immunohistochemical stain for the presence of progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in fifty six cases with negative results.

Skin adnexal neoplasms--part 2: an approach to tumours of cutaneous sweat glands

Tumours of cutaneous sweat glands are uncommon, with a wide histological spectrum, complex classification and many different terms often used to describe the same tumour. Furthermore, many eccrine/apocrine lesions coexist within hamartomas or within lesions with composite/mixed differentiation. In addition to the eccrine and apocrine glands, two other skin sweat glands have recently been described: the apoeccrine and the mammary-like glands of the anogenital area. In this review (the second of two articles on skin adnexal neoplasms), common as well as important benign and malignant lesions of cutaneous sweat glands are described, and a summary for differentiating primary adnexal neoplasms from metastatic carcinoma is outlined, striving to maintain a common and acceptable terminology in this complex subject. Composite/mixed adnexal tumours are also discussed briefly.