What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
- Primary Cutaneous Colloid Carcinoma
- Primary Cutaneous Gelatinous Carcinoma
- PMCS (Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin)
What is Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)
- Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin is a very rare, malignant tumor. It is typically observed in middle-aged and older adults
- The tumor is normally painless and grows slowly anywhere on the body; metastasis is seen in around 10% of the cases
- The risk factors and cause of development of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin are generally unknown
- The treatment of choice is a surgical excision with clear margins followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as decided by the healthcare provider. In a majority of cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate early treatment
- However, the prognosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin also depends upon the stage of the tumor, health status of the individual, and whether it has metastasized to other body sites
Who gets Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin is a very infrequent condition that is normally observed in adults in the age range 40-70 years
- Both males and females are affected, though the condition is slightly more common in males than females
- There is no predilection for any racial or ethnic group
What are the Risk Factors for Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)
- Presently, the risk factors for Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin are not well-established
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 Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin? (Etiology)
- The cause of development of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin is unknown
- Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized yet
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin?
Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin may present the following signs and symptoms:
- It is typically seen as a solitary skin lesion that can vary in size from 1-10 cm
- This malignant tumor is generally painless and usually grows slowly
- The skin lesion may ulcerate, which can cause pain at the site
- It can occur at any location on the body, but is generally observed in the head and neck region (especially eyelids)
- It may also form on the chest, back, or lower legs
- Some tumors have been observed in the vulva (external perivaginal tissue) too
How is Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin may involve the following:
- A thorough medical history assessment and complete 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
- Transillumination test is a helpful tool in diagnosing the tumor
- 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 Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin?
The complications of Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin may include the following:
- The tumor usually does not metastasize, but in 1 in 10 cases metastasis is known to occur to the local lymph nodes
- Ulceration of the tumor can lead to secondary infections of bacteria and fungus
- Concerns regarding cosmetic appearance
- Recurrence of the tumor after a period of time on incomplete removal of the tumor
- Side effects of chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation therapy
How is Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin Treated?
The treatment of Mucinous 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
- Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin can be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery
- If the tumor has metastasized, 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 Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin be Prevented?
- Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Mucinous 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 Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
- Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin is a malignant tumor and its prognosis depends upon a set of several factors, which include:
- Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
- The surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning if the tumor can be removed completely)
- Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared to those with poor health
- Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
- Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time, or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have a poorer prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
- Response to treatment: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond so well to treatment
- An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the tumor generally yields better outcomes than a late diagnosis and delayed treatment
- If metastasis (such as to the local lymph nodes) is observed, then the prognosis may be unpredictable
- Regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider are important
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mucinous Carcinoma of Skin:
- There is no evidence to prove that Cutaneous Mucinous 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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