eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma

Eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma, also known as digital papillary adenocarcinoma, is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that originates from the eccrine sweat glands.

Characteristics:

• It typically presents as a solitary, often painless mass on the lower extremities, particularly on the ankle or foot.
• The tumor can be firm and fixed to underlying tissues.
• Eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma is considered a malignant neoplasm with a potential for local invasion and recurrence.

Demographics:

• It predominantly affects young black women.
• However, it can occur in individuals of any age group and ethnicity.

Histopathology:

• The tumor consists of tubular and tubulo-papillary structures lined by epithelial cells.
• Histologically, eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma is characterized by a well-circumscribed dermal tumor set in a sclerotic stroma.

Clinical Course:

• Eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma can be locally aggressive and has a potential for recurrence.
• However, it is considered to have a low risk for metastasis and lymph node involvement.

References:

• [1] Wu H, Pimpalwar A, Diwan H, Patel KR J Cutan Pathol 2016 Dec;43(12):1172-1178. (Case report and review of literature)
• [2] Integrated disease information for Eccrine Papillary Adenocarcinoma (Overview)
• [3] AJ Jabbour, Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (2021) (Definition and general features)
• [4] DB Rulon, Papillary eccrine adenoma (1977) (Considered benign on the basis of experience)

Note: The information provided is based on the search results within the context.

Diagnostic Tests for Eccrine Papillary Adenocarcinoma

Eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of sweat gland cancer, can be challenging to diagnose. However, several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of this condition.

• Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy is the most common test used to diagnose eccrine carcinoma, including eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma [12][13]. The biopsy will detect growth of new or abnormal tissue.
• Immunohistochemistry: Immunohistochemistry studies can be performed to detect specific markers associated with eccrine carcinoma. These markers include carcinoembryonic antigen, progesterone receptors, estrogen receptors, epithelial membrane antigen, and pancytokeratins [13].
• Histologic Examination: Histologic examination of tissue provides a definitive diagnosis for eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma. The tumor forms tubular and tubulo-papillary structures, with ducts lined by 2-3 layers of epithelial cells [1].

It's essential to note that while these diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through histologic examination of tissue.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [12] - Context result 12 [13] - Context result 13

Differential Diagnosis of Eccrine Papillary Adenocarcinoma

Eccrine papillary adenocarcinoma (EPA) is a rare tumor originating from the eccrine sweat glands. When diagnosing EPA, it's essential to consider its differential diagnosis, which includes other conditions that may present similarly.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

• Hidradenoma: A benign tumor of the apocrine sweat glands, which can be distinguished from EPA by the lack of papillary architecture and the presence of a more solid growth pattern [1].
• Apocrine cystadenoma: A rare, benign tumor of the apocrine sweat glands, characterized by the presence of cystic spaces and a lack of papillary features [1].
• Tubular apocrine adenoma: A rare, benign tumor of the apocrine sweat glands, which can be distinguished from EPA by its tubular architecture and lack of papillary features [3].
• Spiradenocarcinoma (eccrine acrospiroma): A rare, malignant tumor of the eccrine sweat glands, which can be distinguished from EPA by its more aggressive behavior and presence of a spiral growth pattern [1].
• Ganglion cysts: A benign, fluid-filled cyst that can occur on the fingers or toes, which may present similarly to EPA but can be distinguished by their characteristic appearance and lack of papillary features [4].
• Glomus tumors: Rare, benign tumors of the glomus body, which can present similarly to EPA but can be distinguished by their characteristic appearance and location [4].

Key Diagnostic Features:

To accurately diagnose EPA, it's essential to consider its histologic features, including:

• Papillary architecture
• Presence of eccrine sweat glands
• Lack of cystic spaces or tubular structures

These features can help distinguish EPA from other conditions that may present similarly.

References: [1] Gupta J. (2019) - Histopathologic differentials of ADPA are hidradenoma, apocrine cystadenoma, apocrine adenoma, tubular apocrine adenoma, spiradenocarcinoma (eccrine acrospiroma) ... [3] Altmann S. (2015) - The differential diagnosis comprises apocrine adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sweat glands, and mucinous eccrine carcinoma. [4] Pate HF. (2024) - Given that nearly 80% of DPA's occur on the fingers, ganglion cysts and glomus tumors are often high on the differential diagnosis list.