Cutaneous ciliated cyst of the scalp: a case report of a cutaneous ciliated eccrine cyst and a brief review of the literature. Am J Dermatopathol. 2014;36:679-682. [PMID: 25051045 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e3182a00c09]

Cutaneous Ciliated Cysts: 2 Case Reports and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous ciliated cysts are rare benign lesions most commonly seen in the lower extremities of young female patients. There is still ongoing debate about the origin of these cysts, with the most common theories being Mullerian heterotopia and eccrine gland metaplasia. To further increase the data pool, we present 2 new cutaneous ciliated cyst cases and gathered data about all 67 cases of literature. We want to highlight that immunohistochemistry and demographic information may play a key role in distinguishing between the 2 possible origins of this cyst, namely estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and carcinoembryonic antigen immunohistochemistry. Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor nuclear positivity is proof of Mullerian origin, but when they are negative with a positive carcinoembryonic antigen, the most likely origin is eccrine gland metaplasia. We advocate using the terms "Cutaneous Mullerian Cyst" and "Ciliated Cutaneous Eccrine Cyst" instead of "Cutaneous Ciliated Cyst" to accurately indicate their distinct origins.

Ciliated and Mucinous Adenomatous Syringometaplasia: The Missing Link of the "Ciliated Eccrine Metaplasia" Theory in the Histogenesis of Cutaneous Eccrine Ciliated Cyst?

ABSTRACT

A variety of metaplastic changes has been reported in eccrine ducts and glands with squamous and mucinous syringometaplasia representing the most common histopathologic patterns. In the current case, a previously unreported variant of syringometaplasia was described in a female newborn with a 2-cm occipital cutaneous defect consistent with cutis aplasia. Over a more than 1-year period of local treatment, an enlarging plaque associated with local alopecia developed at the site of the original ulcerated area. A local excision demonstrated a superficial hypertrophic scar associated with a complete loss of hair follicles. In addition, there was a proliferation of eccrine glands and ducts lined by cuboidal epithelial cells arranged in a linear distribution beneath the scar area. Focal anastomosing of the proliferative ducts was identified. In few dilated ducts, the epithelial lining was composed of an inner layer of columnar cells with well-formed apical cilia and intracytoplasmic mucin and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells. The mucinous and ciliated cells were positive for epithelial membranous antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen, but negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and thyroid transcription factor-1. Because this variant of eccrine metaplasia has not hitherto been reported in the literature, the term ciliated and mucinous adenomatous syringometaplasia was proposed for this unusual histologic finding. Mucinous and ciliated adenomatous syringometaplasia not only expands the spectrum of metaplastic changes in sweat gland units, but also might represent the missing link in the histogenesis of a subset of cutaneous ciliated cysts.

Cutaneous ciliated cyst on the anterior neck in young women: A case report

BACKGROUND

A cutaneous ciliated cyst (CCC) is a rare, benign tumor in young female adults, which is usually found on the lower extremities.

CASE SUMMARY

We found an uncommon location of CCC in the anterolateral cervical area and reviewed the literature. A 20-year-old female complained of a well-defined, painless, palpable mass that started several years ago. The mass was tense and movable and located at the anterolateral aspect of the neck. Imaging showed a non-enhancing round mass. Surgical excision biopsy was performed, and the cystic mass was revealed to be a CCC.

CONCLUSION

The rare location of CCC can be found in anterior neck area, which should be another diagnostic option for mass on anterior neck.