Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma in African-Americans

Uncommon cutaneous neoplasms of the head and neck

This article concentrates on the less-common cutaneous malignancies such as merkel cell, atypical fibroxanthoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma. The clinical and histopathologic descriptions of each, most current and emerging etiologies, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.

Mohs micrographic surgery in the treatment of microcystic adnexal carcinoma

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with a propensity for slow growth and extensive local invasion. Pathology is characterized by multiple islands of basaloid epithelial cells, ductal structures, and keratinizing cysts, located intradermally but often extending deep as thin strands of tumor cells intercalating between collagen bundles. Perineural and intramuscular invasion are common. Treatment with Mohs surgery allows for fewer procedures with increased likelihood of long-term cure and tissue conservation.