Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin

Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin

Article
Skin Care
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreJan 02, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Apocrine Cystadenoma of Eyelid
  • Moll’s Gland Cyst
  • Sudoriferous Cyst

What is Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is a rare condition in which there is a dilated cyst of the apocrine sweat glands. It is an uncommon tumor that occurs on the skin as a painless nodule
  • There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the apocrine sweat glands, the eccrine sweat glands, and the sebaceous sweat glands. Dilation of eccrine sweat glands causes eccrine hidrocystoma of skin, and dilation of apocrine sweat glands causes Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin
  • The cyst is filled with fluid formed by the sweat glands in the cyst lining. It can occur in young adults. The cause and risk factors for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin are unknown
  • In a majority of cases, no treatment is necessary, unless it causes troublesome symptoms including cosmetic issues. A simple surgical excision of the tumor is considered curative. The prognosis for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin can occur at any age, but is common during the 30s and 40s
  • Both males and females may be affected, though it is more commonly observed in females
  • Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)

  • Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin
  • Research is being undertaken to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Etiology)

  • The cause of development of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is unknown, but some believe that the development of the cyst occurs due to obstruction of the sweat glands
  • Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin?

The signs and symptoms of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin include:

  • Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin usually occurs as a single, raised nodule on skin
  • It can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter. These bumps can grow large enough to cause cosmetic issues
  • The skin over the nodules may have a reddish discoloration
  • The nodules are usually painless and non-itchy
  • These are mostly well-demarcated and firm to touch
  • The nodules can occur in the eyelid, the face, scalp, chest, or shoulders. The most common location is the margin of the eyelid

Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin typically occurs as a single nodule that grows slowly. However, multiple nodules may also be seen.

How is Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin may involve the following:

  • A thorough medical history and physical examination
  • A biopsy of the skin nodule, which is examined by a pathologist under a microscope. When the tissue is biopsied, clear to blackish brown fluid may come out. The pathological examination will help in a definitive diagnosis
  • When a flashlight is shined through the cyst, it can trans-illuminate the cyst due to the presence of the fluid
  • Puncture with a sterile needle releases the fluid, making the cyst almost imperceptible 
  • When viewed under a microscope, Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin usually occurs as a unilocular cyst, but sometimes it can also be multilocular
  • Differential diagnosis of other tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, blue nevus, and syringoma, should be ruled out. Hence, a biopsy is an important diagnostic tool

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin?

Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is a rare benign cyst that does not cause any significant complications. However, the following factors may be a cause for concern:

  • The presence of multiple nodules may result in cosmetic issues
  • Recurrence of the cyst on incomplete surgical excision

How is Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin Treated?

The treatment of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin may involve the following:

  • In a majority of cases, removal of the cyst is not necessary, unless the cyst causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as cosmetic issues
  • Typically, a complete surgical excision can result in a cure
  • Once the cyst is completely removed, it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal of the cyst may result in a recurrence
  • Electrodessication (burning-off) of the cyst can be performed with an appropriate electrical device
  • If the condition recurs, then injection using botulism toxin A to collapse the cyst has been helpful. However, botulism toxin A is rarely used

In most cases, Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is removed to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate the possibility of other skin cyst types.

How can Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign cyst.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin:

Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is not affected by temperature changes, unlike eccrine hidrocystoma of skin that gets larger in warmer temperatures and smaller in colder temperatures.

Please visit our Skin Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

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