syringoma

What is Syringoma?

Syringoma is a benign growth of the sweat gland, characterized by small, firm bumps on the skin. These bumps are typically 1-3 millimeters in diameter and can appear as brown, yellow, or pink papules that tend to occur in clusters.

Types of Syringomas

There are different types of syringomas, including:

• Generalized eruptive syringoma: A rare clinical presentation of a benign adnexal tumor that derives from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat ducts.
• Multiple syringomas: Small, firm bumps that appear in clusters on the skin.

Characteristics

Syringomas are typically:

• Skin-colored or yellowish
• Firm and rounded in shape
• 1-3 millimeters in diameter
• Benign growths of the sweat gland

References:

• [1] Syringoma is a benign growth of the sweat gland. They appear as small brown, yellow, or pink 1-3 millimeter bumps (papules) that tend to occur in clusters... (Source: #3)
• [2] A syringoma is a skin coloured or yellowish firm rounded bump, one to three millimetres in diameter. ... (Source: #1)
• [3] Syringomas are composed of single-to-double-layered epithelial cells with pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. Epithelial cells, forming nests, cords or tubules, with a... (Source: #9)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Syringoma

Syringomas are benign growths that can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, armpits, chest, abdomen, and forehead. The most common signs and symptoms of syringoma include:

• Itching: Many people experience intense itchiness, especially when they sweat [1].
• Redness and pain: Eruptive syringomas can cause redness and pain in addition to itchiness [3].
• Small bumps: Syringomas typically appear as small brown, yellow, or pink bumps (papules) that tend to occur in clusters [5][9].
• Clustered growths: They often develop in clusters, with multiple bumps of the same size, shape, and color [8].

Common Locations

Syringomas commonly appear on:

• Lower eyelids
• Upper cheeks
• Armpits
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Forehead [2]

It's worth noting that most syringomas do not come with other symptoms, but in some cases, they can cause discomfort and itchiness. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] May 1, 2024 — Syringoma Symptoms​​ [2] Jun 18, 2024 — Signs & Symptoms. [3] Oct 25, 2017 — Eruptive syringomas often cause intense itchiness as well as redness and pain. Who gets syringomas? [5] A syringoma is a benign growth of the sweat gland. They appear as small brown, yellow, or pink 1-3 millimeter bumps (papules) that tend to occur in clusters. [8] May 1, 2024 — Syringoma Symptoms · A round, firm bump that's 1 to 3 millimeters wide · Several bumps in the area that are about the same size, shape, and color [9] A syringoma is a benign growth of the sweat gland. They appear as small brown, yellow, or pink 1-3 millimeter bumps (papules) that tend to occur in clusters.

Diagnosing Syringoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Syringoma diagnosis involves a combination of visual examination and, if necessary, additional diagnostic tests to confirm the condition.

• Visual Examination: Most cases are diagnosed by their appearance. A dermatologist or other doctor can usually tell what it is just by looking at it [1].
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be needed to exclude other similar kinds of tumors such as trichoepitheliomas, trichodiscomas, and others [2]. A skin biopsy is valuable when diagnostic uncertainty arises, revealing characteristic histopathological features [12][13].
• Histopathology: Diagnosis can be confirmed with a skin biopsy, as syringomas have a distinct histology. They consist of multiple ductular structures embedded within a fibrous stroma in the superficial dermis [3].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

While not typically ordered for individuals with syringoma, additional diagnostic assessments such as laboratory tests or radiographic studies may be considered in certain cases.

• Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): FNAC is generally used for the initial evaluation of syringoma, while histopathology is used as a confirmatory test to diagnose syringoma [14].
• Enzyme Immunohistochemical Tests: In a research context, enzyme immunohistochemical tests in syringoma demonstrate the presence of eccrine-related enzymes such as leucine aminopeptidase [4].

Key Takeaways

In summary, diagnosing syringoma involves:

• A visual examination by a dermatologist or other doctor
• A biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions
• Histopathology to confirm the presence of characteristic histological features
• Additional diagnostic tests such as FNAC and enzyme immunohistochemical tests in certain cases

References: [1] Syringoma Diagnosis. If you think you have syringoma, see a dermatologist or other doctor. [2] Most cases are diagnosed by their appearance. [3] Diagnosis can be confirmed with a skin biopsy, as syringomas have a distinct histology. [4] Enzyme immunohistochemical tests in syringoma demonstrate the presence of eccrine-related enzymes such as leucine aminopeptidase.

Syringomas can be treated with various medications, including oral isotretinoin and acitretin, as well as topical tretinoin. These treatments have been used to reduce the size and number of syringomas.

• Oral isotretinoin has been used to treat syringomas, particularly in cases where they are widespread or cause significant cosmetic concerns [1][3].
• Acitretin, another oral retinoid, has also been used to treat syringomas, with some studies showing improvement in symptoms [1][4].
• Topical tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, can be applied directly to the affected area to help reduce the size and number of syringomas [1].

It's worth noting that while these medications can be effective in treating syringomas, they may not completely eliminate them. In some cases, surgical removal or other treatments may be necessary.

According to a study published in 1998, multiple and diffuse facial lesions caused by syringoma can cause cosmetic problems for the affected individual [6]. Therefore, treatment with medications like isotretinoin and acitretin may be considered to improve appearance.

References: [1] - Syringomas are harmless bumps on your skin that are yellow or the same color as your skin tone caused by overactive sweat glands. (Search result 2) [3] - Oral isotretinoin has been used to treat syringomas, particularly in cases where they are widespread or cause significant cosmetic concerns. (Search result 1) [4] - Acitretin, another oral retinoid, has also been used to treat syringomas, with some studies showing improvement in symptoms. (Search result 1) [6] - Background: Although syringoma represents a benign tumor of skin appendage, multiple and diffuse facial lesions can cause cosmetic problems for the affected individual. (Search result 6)

Differential Diagnosis of Syringoma

Syringoma, a benign adnexal tumor, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other skin conditions. The differential diagnosis for syringoma includes:

• Acneiform eruptions: These are characterized by the presence of comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), papules, and pustules, which can mimic the appearance of syringomas [2].
• Sebaceous hyperplasia: This condition is marked by the presence of small, yellowish bumps on the skin, which can be confused with syringomas due to their similar color and texture [3].
• Hidrocystoma: A hidrocystoma is a benign cystic lesion that can appear as a small, dome-shaped bump on the skin, making it difficult to distinguish from a syringoma [5].
• Eruptive xanthomas: These are small, yellowish bumps on the skin that can be mistaken for syringomas due to their similar color and texture [3].
• Sclerosing (morphealike) basal cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer can appear as a firm, rounded bump on the skin, which can be confused with a syringoma due to its similar appearance [4].
• Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma: A desmoplastic trichoepithelioma is a rare type of skin tumor that can appear as a small, dome-shaped bump on the skin, making it difficult to distinguish from a syringoma [4].

Key Points

• Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors derived from intraepidermal luminal cells of eccrine sweat ducts.
• The most common differential diagnosis for syringoma is Fox-Fordyce disease, a condition characterized by multiple retention cysts of apocrine glands accompanied by inflammation [6].
• Eruptive syringomas can be confused with other skin diseases, including acne vulgaris and sebaceous hyperplasia, due to their similar appearance [7].

References

[1] Mar 27, 2019 — Differential Diagnoses · Acne Vulgaris · Angiofibroma · Apocrine Hidrocystoma · Basal Cell Carcinoma · Colloid Milium · Cowden Disease (Multiple ... [2] A syringoma is a skin coloured or yellowish firm rounded bump, one to three millimetres in diameter. They start to appear in adolescence and are more common in ... [3] by AK Jha · 2016 · Cited by 4 — Differential diagnosis includes acneiform eruptions, sebaceous hyperplasia, hidrocystoma, eruptive xanthomas. Histopathological findings are distinct and ... [4] Mar 27, 2019 — The histologic differential diagnosis includes sclerosing (morphealike) basal cell carcinoma and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. Importantly, ... [5] Oct 21, 2019 — Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors derived from intraepidermal luminal cells of eccrine sweat ducts. They present as small, dome-shaped ... [6] The most common differential diagnosis is Fox-Fordyce disease, a condition of multiple retention cysts of apocrine glands accompanied by inflammation of the ... [7] by C Resende · 2015 · Cited by 20 — The clinical diagnosis of eruptive syringoma is relatively difficult, as it can be confused with other skin diseases, including acne vulgaris, sebaceous ...