Sweat Gland Carcinoma

Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

background 

We report a 57–year–old Hispanic man with malignant nodular hidradenoma. The patient had three biopsy–proven benign nodular hidradenomas over the left cheek over a 2–year period. A fourth recurrent lesion several months later had malignant histology.

objective 

Little is known about these rare sweat gland carcinomas and treatment modalities. We reviewed the literature on sweat gland carcinomas to elucidate the nature of these tumors and best treatment course.

method 

Review of 76 published cases with compilation of data in tabular form with statistical analysis.

results 

The mean age was 57 years with equal male–to–female distribution. Tumor distribution is: lower extremities, 32.9%; upper extremities, 27.6%; trunk, 11.9%: head, 26.3%; neck, 1.3%. Metastatic sites are: lymph nodes, 30.2%: viscera, 22%. Malignant sweat gland neoplasms have a propensity for local and regional lymph node recurrence. The roles of lymph node dissection, radiation, and chemotherapy are reviewed.

conclusion 

Treatment decisions should be formalized by conducting a well–structured trial.