Skin Adnexal Tumors in Plain Language: A Practical Approach for the General Surgical Pathologist

Five-year pattern of adnexal tumors of the skin in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Adnexal tumors of the skin are rare neoplasms that encompass a wide range of dermatologic entities. Here, we investigated the pattern of adnexal tumors of the skin in the All African Leprosy and Tuberculosis Rehabilitation and Training Center (ALERT) hospital retrospectively.

METHODS

A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at ALERT from histopathology records in the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) pathology laboratory of patients diagnosed with any of the skin adnexal tumors during the time period January 2017 to December 2021. A structured data extraction sheet was used. Data entry was done using EpiData 4.6.0.6. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

RESULT

A total of 146 skin adnexal tumors were identified making the magnitude 2.8% of total biopsies. The 3rd decade of life was found to be the most common age group. Male-to-female ratio was 1 : 1.05. Majority of the tumors were benign (82.2%) and had sweat gland differentiation at 48.6%. Poroma (10.9%) was the most frequent tumor, whereas porocarcinoma (6.8%) made up the most frequent malignant tumor. The most common site was the head and neck region (48.6%). Only 21.2% of the tumors were correctly identified clinically.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of skin adnexal tumors is found to be slightly higher than other similar studies which could be because it was carried out in the largest dermatologic center in the country. The most common skin adnexal tumors identified, their localizations, and lines of differentiation are all in line with other studies. Histopathologic examination is mandatory for the accurate diagnosis of these tumors.

Clinical and morphological features of eccrine acrospiroma: analysis of literature data and case from practice

Eccrine acrospiroma is a rare benign tumor of the skin arising from the epithelial cells of eccrine sweat ducts. The clinical picture is characterized by its variability, so a detailed morphological study of the operative material is necessary to establish a diagnosis. Differential diagnosis must be carried out with hemangioma, melanoma, infected sebaceous cyst, metastatic skin lesion, and other tumors from elements of the sweat gland. In the article the authors presented the clinical and morphological analysis of own case from practice of large eccrine acrospiroma on the back surface of the left thigh which was diagnosed in a 56-year-old man.

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.

Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of the malignant adnexal neoplasms of the head and neck

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current review is to present the current knowledge regarding epidemiology, diagnostics, and management of malignant adnexal neoplasms (MANs).

RECENT FINDINGS

Immunotherapy and gene-related therapies are still being developed as the methods of salvage treatment in advanced and disseminated cases: CACNA1S, ATP2A1, RYR1, and MYLK3, as well as p53 or the JAK/STAT pathways, may be therapeutic targets; the efficiency of talimogene laherparepvec and nivolumab is assessed.

SUMMARY

MANs are rare tumors, but due to the aging of population their incidence is increasing. Their clinical presentation is unspecific, which makes the diagnosis challenging. Histopathological assessment is difficult even for experienced pathologists. Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision are recommended to treat primary lesions. Adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial in case of insufficient or positive surgical margins, in nodal metastases, in selected types of MANs like sebaceous, trichilemmal, and pilomatrix carcinomas, and as the induction treatment in large tumors located in medically fragile or cosmetically important regions. The role of chemotherapy is not well defined; however, it is recommended in distant metastases. Immunotherapy can improve the prognosis in advanced stage of the disease.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Benign Skin Adnexal Tumors in the Pakistani Population: A Single-Center Study

Background Skin adnexal tumors (SATs) are categorized per the site of origin, for example, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. In our population, there is limited information related to the clinicopathological characteristics of these tumors. Management and prognosis depend largely upon the morphological type of the tumor. In this study, we assessed the disease spectrum and most prevalent subtypes of benign SATs. Methodology An analysis of 565 cases was conducted in this cross-sectional study between January 2018 and December 2022, using a non-probability consecutive sampling approach. Patient age, gender, site of involvement, and diagnosis were documented according to the fourth edition of the WHO Classification of Skin Tumors published in 2018. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Our study had 565 patients, out of which 271 (47.9%) were males and 294 (52.1%) were females. The mean age was 40.97±19.3 years (range, 2-100 years). Anatomical site variations were as follows, head and neck (n=336, 59.4%), extremities (n=124, 22%), trunk (n=84, 14.9%), and genital areas (n=21, 3.7%). The most common histological subtypes of benign SATs were sweat gland origin (n=350, 62.0%), followed by hair follicle origin (n=161, 28.5 %), and sebaceous gland origin (n=54, 9.5%). Conclusion Sweat gland tumors were the most prevalent class of benign SATs in our study, in which hidradenoma and poroma were the most frequent subtypes. Hair follicle origin was the second most prevalent class of tumors with pilomatricoma being the most frequent. Sebaceous tumors were overall uncommon; nevus sebaceous of Jadasshon was the most common tumor in this class.

A single-centre experience of secondary cutaneous tumours with special reference to precocious metastases

BACKGROUND

Secondary involvement of skin by tumour comprises 2% of cutaneous neoplasia, in a small proportion of cases serving as the primary manifestation of occult disease.

METHODS

Cases of cutaneous metastases (CM) were retrieved from our pathology files between 2013 and 2018 and clinical and histopathological data reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 159 cases (median age 70). A majority of clinical presentations comprised isolated, papulonodular lesions. While the anatomic distribution of lesions often bore a proximate relationship to the primary tumour, distant sites of involvement were frequently encountered. Melanoma gave rise to the greatest number of metastases, followed by tumours of the breast, colorectum, and squamous cell carcinoma. In six cases (3.8%), CM served as the presenting feature of occult malignancy. These patients presented at a more advanced age and with distant sites of involvement. The microscopic features of CM include nodules, nests, and cords or single cell infiltrates typically in deeper compartments in the absence of overlying epidermal or adnexal precursor lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

CMs are a frequent development in the natural history of melanoma and breast tumours. In practice, a wide spectrum of tumours may give rise to CM and a small proportion more importantly, signal the existence of previously unknown neoplasia.

Nodular Hidradenoma of the Lower Limb Impersonating as Sebaceous Cyst in a Young Female

Adnexal tumors possess a remarkable capacity for morphological diversity and often present with nonspecific clinical presentations. Definitive diagnosis is made on histopathology with categorization based on the predominant morphological component. We present a case of a 31-year-old woman, with a swelling in the upper one-third of the right leg suspected clinically to be an infected sebaceous cyst. Histopathological examination clinched the diagnosis of a nodular hidradenoma. We wish to present this case not only for its uncommon clinical presentation but also for the diverse spectrum of histomorphological features that can be exhibited by this tumor. The case also emphasizes to surgeons the importance of complete surgical resection given the chances of recurrence and rare cases of malignant transformation associated with this entity.

Ciliary Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Eyelid Arising in Hidrocystoma: Case Report and Review of Previously Reported Cases

ABSTRACT

Moll gland is a modified tubular-shaped apocrine sweat gland, which is located on the margin of the eyelid. Moll glands are also known as ciliary glands. The function of these glands was not well known for a long time. However, based on the different studies, it was proved that Moll glands are active from birth and have local immunologic function producing immunoglobulin A. We present a case of Moll adenocarcinoma, a type of apocrine carcinoma, arising from the right upper eyelid of a 57-year-old man. Although Moll gland cysts are frequently seen, this type of adnexal malignancy is extremely uncommon. These tumors can have variable presentation and behavior from less invasive forms to highly malignant metastatic recurrent lesions.

Maligne Adnextumoren der Haut

Neoplasien der Hautadnexe (benigne oder maligne) können zum einen von den Talgdrüsen oder Haarfollikel ausgehen, zum andern auch eine Differenzierung Richtung ekkriner oder apokriner Schweißdrüsen zeigen. Auch Mischformen können vorkommen. Maligne Adnextumoren entstehen i. d. R. de novo. Dennoch ist auch die maligne Entartung einer vorbestehenden benignen Läsion möglich.

Maligne Adnextumoren der Haut sind im Vergleich zu anderen nicht-melanozytären Hauttumoren insgesamt eine eher seltene Entität. Jedoch zeigt sich, dass die Inzidenz von malignen Adnextumoren in den letzten Jahren zugenommen hat. Ähnlich wie bei anderen Hautkrebsarten sind auch bei malignen Adnextumoren das Alter, UV-Strahlung und Immunsuppression wichtige Risikofaktoren der Tumorgenese.

Da sich die Klinik sowohl von malignen als auch benignen Adnextumoren mit Ausnahme des Morbus Paget oftmals ähneln kann und wenig spezifisch ist, kommt der Histopathologie für die korrekte Diagnosestellung eine entscheidende Bedeutung zu.

Gemäß der Literatur sind die häufigsten malignen Adnextumore das Talgdrüsenkarzinom (23 %), der extramammäre Morbus Paget (19 %), das Hidradenokarzinom (15 %), das Porokarzinom (7 %) sowie das mikrozystische Adnexkarzinom (MAC) (5 %). Während manche Vertreter prognostisch mit einem Basalzellkarzinom vergleichbar sind (MAC), sind andere durchaus metastasierungsfähig vergleichbar den Plattenepithelkarzinomen (Talgdrüsenkarzinom, Porokarzinom). Andere Vertreter heben sich hier prognostisch besonders negativ ab mit hoher Lokalrezidivquote und Metastasierung, z. B. das Hidradenokarzinom.

Dieser Übersichtsartikel fokussiert sich auf diese 5 relativ häufigen Adnex-Malignome, die prognostisch auch die gegebene Streubreite wiedergeben und die Erfordernis einer den jeweiligen Besonderheiten geschuldeten klinischen Versorgung und Nachbetreuung unterstreichen.

Dermal Duct Tumor: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Poromas or poroid tumors are a group of rare, benign cutaneous neoplasms derived from the terminal eccrine or apocrine sweat gland duct. There are four poroma variants with overlapping features: dermal duct tumor (DDT), eccrine poroma, hidroacanthoma simplex, and poroid hidradenoma, of which DDT is the least common. Clinically, the variants have a nonspecific appearance and present as solitary dome-shaped papules, plaques, or nodules. They can be indistinguishable from each other and a multitude of differential diagnoses, necessitating a better understanding of the characteristics that make the diagnosis of poroid neoplasms. However, there remains a paucity of information on these lesions, especially DDTs, given their infrequent occurrence. Herein, we review the literature on DDTs with an emphasis on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopic findings in a case of trichofolliculoma

Trichofolliculoma is a rare follicular hamartoma whose dermoscopic features have been scarcely reported. On the other hand, reflectance confocal microscopy features have not been described yet. In the present study, the authors report reflectance confocal microscopy features in a case of trichofolliculoma as squamous hyperplasia forming irregular finger-like protrusions around the hair follicle and papillomatous hyperplasia of the hair follicle epithelium, which correlated with histopathology. This case suggests that reflectance confocal microscopy may help incorrect in vivo diagnosis of trichofolliculoma in cases difficult to diagnose by morphology and dermoscopy.

A 5-year retrospective review of skin adnexal tumours received at a tertiary dermatopathology service: Implications for linked genetic diagnoses

BACKGROUND

Skin adnexal tumours (SATs) comprise a diverse range of neoplasms, which are difficult to diagnose clinically. They present in paediatric and adult populations, and may be indicative of an underlying genetic syndrome. There is a lack of recent data on the presentation of these tumours in clinical practice in European populations.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the clinical and pathological features of SATs received at a single tertiary centre over a 5-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective health record audit of SATs received at the Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, during the period November 2012 to October 2017.

RESULTS

107144 skin cases were received during the audit period. 1615 cases of SATs from 1359 patients were included; 1570 (97.2%) were benign and 45 (2.8%) were malignant. Overall, the average age at presentation was 55 years (range 11 months - 97 years) and the male to female ratio was 0.77:1. Sweat gland and hair follicle SATs were most frequently excised; in adults the most frequent tumour was hidrocystoma, and in children, pilomatrixoma. Pre-biopsy diagnosis was correct 28% of the time. Benign SATs are often markers of an associated genetic condition, warranting improved discrimination of sporadic from genetically related SATs.

CONCLUSIONS

 SATs are difficult to diagnose clinically, and clinicopathological correlation may help enhance selection of genetically related SATs from sporadic cases. These data have implications for clinical and dermatopathological training provision, the development of reporting standards, and genetic assessment of selected patients.

Huge pilomatrixomas of the scalp: A case report

Pilomatrixoma is a rare benign skin tumor differentiating toward hair matrix cells usually encountered in the head and neck region. It is most frequently appearing in the first and second decades of life. Histopathological examination is essential to make definitive diagnosis. Herein, we present an atypical case of multiple pilomatrixomas. A 69-year-old man with multiple voluminous masses over the scalp. Among the three lesions, one was clinically suspicious for malignancy, it measured 17 cm and was ulcerated in places. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pilomatrixoma. The tumors were removed surgically with free margins. Otolaryngologist should be familiar with this benign tumor when evaluating soft-tissue mass in the head and neck region.

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Pilomatrixoma, is a particular and uncommon type benign subcutaneous tumors arising from the cutaneous adnexa.

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Otolaryngologist should be familiar with this benign tumor when evaluating soft-tissue mass in the head and neck region.

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Clinical follow-up of these lesions is necessary to avoid recurrence and malignant transformation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma with Sebaceous Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

We report a very rare type of tumor in the left nasal ala in an elderly patient. An 81-year-old Saudi woman known to have hypertension, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid disease (who had been compliant to her medications) presented with a 0.5-cm fixed, firm, round well-defined nodule on the left ala of the nose (with crusting, erosion, and telangiectasia of the overlying skin), whose size had been gradually increasing for 2 years. The patient underwent excisional biopsy, and the specimen was sent for a histopathologic analysis. Macroscopic examination showed a round tan-white homogenous nodule, measuring 0.6 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm³. Microscopic examination revealed a fairly circumscribed unencapsulated dermal lesion, featuring basaloid cells with peripheral palisading, and focal stromal clefting. The final diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation was made. The patient was managed with Mohs surgery with clear margins, and full-thickness skin graft was done. Four months after surgery, the patient had a recurrence, which was managed with a surgical excision (with 4-mm margin) and covered by a full-thickness skin graft.

Quadruple synchronous primary cancers in a single patient

Patients diagnosed with quadruple synchronous primary cancers are extremely rare and we present here, to the best of our knowledge, the first case report of this combination of primary cancers. A 70-year-old woman was diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma, melanoma on the right leg, invasive ductal cell carcinoma metastasis in the left axilla with no primary breast tumour detected and multiple basal cell carcinomas on the limbs, all within 2 months. The management was conducted in collaboration with six medical specialties. The cancers were surgically managed, with further adjuvant chemotherapy and ongoing hormone therapy for her breast cancer. Four years after the diagnosis, no signs of recurrence or further metastases from any of the cancers are present.

Cutaneous metastasis of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma: A diagnostic dilemma with therapeutic implications

SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-DTS) is a recently recognized entity with undifferentiated rhabdoid morphology and mutations in the switch/sucrose nonfermenting BRG1-associated factors complex. Patients are typically males in their fifth decade with a history of smoking who present with rapidly progressive intrathoracic disease and follow an aggressive clinical course. Metastatic disease is reported in up to 77% of cases; however, to our knowledge, cutaneous metastasis has not been reported nor has it been reported as the initial manifestation of the disease. Recognizing SMARCA4-DTS from other types of epithelioid tumors that involve the skin is clinically relevant, as targeted therapies for SMARC-deficient tumors are currently being investigated and early clinical trial data show therapeutic benefit.

p63 Is a Promising Marker in the Diagnosis of Unusual Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Ozone depletion and climate changes might cause a further increase in the incidence rate in the future. Although the early detection of skin cancer enables it to be treated successfully, some tumours can evolve and become more aggressive, especially in the case of melanoma. Therefore, good diagnostic and prognostic markers are needed to ensure correct detection and treatment. Transcription factor p63, a member of the p53 family of proteins, plays an essential role in the development of stratified epithelia such as skin. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive review of p63 expression in different types of skin cancer and discuss its possible use in the diagnosis and prognosis of cutaneous tumours.