What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
- Cutaneous Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma
- Eccrine Epithelioma
- Sclerosing Sweat Duct Carcinoma of Skin
What is Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)
- Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC) of Skin is an uncommon malignant tumor of eccrine sweat glands. The tumor normally occurs on the face, typically around the lips
- There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the following:
- Apocrine sweat glands
- Eccrine sweat glands
- Sebaceous sweat glands
- Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin is usually observed in older adults. It is a slow-growing tumor and metastasis is quite infrequently observed
- The cause and risk factors for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin are not well known, though certain genetic mutations have been noted
- The treatment of choice is a surgical excision with clear margins followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as decided by the healthcare provider
- In majority of the cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate early treatment. However, the prognosis of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin also depends upon the stage of the tumor, health status of the individual, and if it has metastasized
Who gets Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin affects a wide age range of individuals (including children and adults), but it is more common in the 40-70 year age group
- Both males and females are affected, though some studies show that the condition is more common in females than males
- All racial and ethnic groups may be affected, but the condition is mostly confined to the Caucasians, in about 90% of the cases
What are the Risk Factors for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)
- The risk factors for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin are largely unknown. However, the tumor is mostly observed in fair-skinned individuals (Caucasians) for unknown reasons
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 Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin? (Etiology)
- The cause of development of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin is unknown
- Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin?
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin may present the following signs and symptoms:
- Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin is typically seen as a solitary red nodule
- It is mostly asymptomatic and painless
- The nodule may rarely ulcerate, which can cause pain at the site
- It is a slow-growing tumor that is most frequently present on the face (especially on the lip)
How is Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin may involve the following:
- A thorough medical history and physical examination
- Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
- Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
- Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
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 Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin?
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin is an uncommon tumor that does not cause any significant complications, if early treatment is availed.
- In rare cases, the tumor can metastasize to the local lymph nodes; however, it does not metastasize as frequently as other carcinomas such as tubular carcinoma of skin
- Rarely, ulceration of the tumor can lead to secondary infections of bacteria and fungus
- Some individuals may have concerns regarding their cosmetic appearance
- Recurrence of the tumor after a period of time, on its incomplete removal
- Side effects of chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation
How is Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin Treated?
The treatment of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin may involve the following:
- In most cases, a wide surgical excision and removal of the entire tumor is the preferred treatment option. This may be followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy
- If the tumor has metastasized (in rare cases), then a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures may be used to treat the tumor
- Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged
How can Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin be Prevented?
- Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin occurrence
- Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations, are mandatory, due to its metastasizing potential and possibility of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary
What is the Prognosis of Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
- The prognosis for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin is excellent with appropriate early treatment
- If metastasis (such as to the local lymph nodes) is observed, then the prognosis is unpredictable
- Regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider are important
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of Skin:
- There is no evidence to prove that Cutaneous Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
- Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
- The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse
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