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

• Eccrine Cystadenoma of Eyelid
• Eccrine Cystadenoma of Skin
• Hidrocystoma of Skin, Eccrine Type

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

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

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

• Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin can occur at any age, but is common during the 30s and 40s
• Both males and females may be affected with equal frequency. If there are multiple cysts, then the condition is more commonly observed in females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization of Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin has been reported

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

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin in a majority of cases
• A syndrome known as Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome, in which multiple Eccrine Hidrocystomas of Skin can occur has been described. It is an extremely rare condition
• 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 of Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is presently 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 Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin?

The signs and symptoms of Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin include:

• Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin usually occurs as a single, raised papule or nodule on the 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 nodule is usually painless and non-itchy. They are mostly well-demarcated and firm to touch
• These nodules can occur all over the body

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

How is Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Eccrine 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 fluid
• When viewed under a microscope, Eccrine 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, 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 Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin?

Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is a rare, benign cyst and it 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 Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin Treated?

The treatment of Eccrine 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
• The treatment is a complete surgical excision, which results 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
• Vaporization (burning-off) of the cyst can be performed using a CO2 laser
• 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 this context

Most of Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin is removed to confirm the diagnosis and to eliminate the possibility of other skin cyst types.

How can Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin be Prevented?

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

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

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

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin:

Eccrine Hidrocystoma of Skin gets larger in warmer temperatures and smaller in colder temperatures, unlike Apocrine Hidrocystoma of Skin which is not affected by temperature changes.

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

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