eccrine mixed tumor of skin

Eccrine Mixed Tumor of Skin: A Rare Benign Neoplasm

The eccrine mixed tumor of skin, also known as chondroid syringoma or cutaneous mixed tumor, is a rare benign neoplasm that arises from the sweat glands. It is characterized by its slow growth and painless nature, typically occurring on the head and neck region.

Key Features:

• Rare occurrence: Eccrine mixed tumors are uncommon, with only isolated case reports and small series studies available in the literature.
• Benign nature: These tumors are non-cancerous and do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).
• Slow growth: They grow slowly over time, often taking years to reach a significant size.
• Painless: Eccrine mixed tumors are typically painless, which can make them difficult to detect in their early stages.
• Head and neck location: These tumors most commonly occur on the head and neck region, particularly on the nose, cheek, and scalp.

Histopathological Characteristics:

• Mixed tumor components: Eccrine mixed tumors contain a mixture of epithelial, myoepithelial, and mesenchymal elements.
• Small tubules: They are characterized by small tubules lined by a single layer of uniform cells.
• Fibromucinous or chondroid matrix: The tumor is set in a fibromucinous or chondroid matrix, which can be seen on histological examination.

References:

• [1] Kazakov DV, Kacerovska D, Hantschke M, et al. Cutaneous mixed tumor, eccrine variant: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 50 cases, with emphasis on unusual histopathologic features. Am J Dermatopathol 2011;33:557–68.
• [2] Gardner JM. Malignant Mixed Tumor of Skin.
• [3] Nasse's definition of mixed tumor (referenced in [14]).

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive or definitive description of eccrine mixed tumor of skin.

Eccrine Mixed Tumor Signs and Symptoms

Eccrine mixed tumors are rare, benign growths that occur in the skin. They typically present as slow-growing nodules, usually found on the head and neck region. The following are common signs and symptoms associated with eccrine mixed tumors:

• Slow-growing nodule: Eccrine mixed tumors often appear as a small, painless, and slow-growing mass in the skin (1, 3, 5).
• Painless: These growths are usually painless and may remain asymptomatic for months or years (1, 3, 5).
• Solitary or multiple lesions: While most eccrine mixed tumors occur as solitary nodules, some cases have been reported with multiple lesions (10, 12).

It's essential to note that these growths are typically benign and do not usually cause any symptoms. However, if you notice a slow-growing nodule on your skin, it's always best to consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [5] - Context result 5 [10] - Context result 10 [12] - Context result 12

Diagnostic Tests for Eccrine Mixed Tumor of Skin

Eccrine mixed tumors are rare and can be challenging to diagnose. While there is no specific test for this condition, a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination can help confirm the diagnosis.

• Histopathological Examination: This is considered the most effective method for definitive diagnosis of eccrine mixed tumor (1). A skin biopsy is essential to examine the tissue under a microscope. The biopsy will show small non-branching ducts set in a fibromucinous or chondroid matrix, which is characteristic of this condition (2).
• Imaging Studies: While not necessary for diagnosis, imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to guide differential diagnosis and assess the extent of the tumor. MRI may show a subcutaneous infiltrative process coming into contact with the muscle fascia (13).
• Blood Tests: Routine blood and urine chemistry tests are usually normal in patients with eccrine mixed tumors, except for elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (13).

Important Considerations

• A malignant mixed tumor should only be diagnosed when a pre-existing benign mixed tumor is identifiable. This condition consists of both epithelial and mesenchymal tissue, usually as a benign tumor with malignant components (11).
• Immunohistochemical studies can be used to demonstrate glandular differentiation in eccrine carcinoma but are not necessary if the morphology is classic (15).

References

1. The most effective method for definitive diagnosis of mixed tumor is total excision and histopathologic examination. [5]
2. Histology of eccrine mixed tumour. In eccrine mixed tumour, sections show small non-branching ducts set in a fibromucinous or chondroid matrix (figures 1, 2). [1]
3. A skin biopsy is essential to examine the tissue under a microscope. The biopsy will show infiltrative, moderately to poorly differentiated neoplasm in a nested to the trabecular pattern. Nuclei are relatively uniform with notably prominent nucleoli. [10]

The differential diagnosis for an eccrine mixed tumor of the skin involves considering other types of tumors that can present with similar characteristics.

• Syringoma: These are benign tumors that arise from the sweat glands, but they do not have a fibromucinous or chondroid stroma and typically occupy the superficial dermis [1]. In contrast, eccrine mixed tumors often have a more complex histological structure.
• Apocrine mixed tumor: This type of tumor is composed of larger ducts and glands that may be branching and mixed with mature cartilage. While it shares some similarities with eccrine mixed tumors, the presence of apocrine elements and cartilage-like structures can help distinguish it [1].
• Cutaneous chondroma: This rare benign tumor consists of cartilaginous tissue without epithelial components. The lack of epithelial elements and the presence of cartilage make cutaneous chondroma a differential diagnosis for eccrine mixed tumors [3].
• Malignant mixed tumors: These are rare and aggressive neoplasms that can arise from pre-existing benign mixed tumors. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis when an epithelioid tumor with myxoid stroma is identified in deep soft tissue or skin [11].

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of eccrine mixed tumor requires histopathological examination and consideration of clinical presentation, patient history, and other diagnostic findings.

References:

[1] Context reference 1 [3] Context reference 3