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

• Cutaneous Spiradenocarcinoma
• Malignant Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin

What is Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

• Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin is a very rare, malignant tumor of the sweat glands. It is a longstanding tumor that normally occurs on the upper and lower limbs
• There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the following:
  • Apocrine sweat glands
  • Eccrine sweat glands
  • Sebaceous sweat glands
• Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin is usually observed in middle-aged and older adults. It is a slow-growing tumor that can metastasize to the local lymph nodes
• The cause of Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin is unknown, but it could be influenced by the presence a benign spiradenoma (a type of skin tumor)
• The treatment of choice is a surgical excision with clear margins followed by radiation therapy and/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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin also depends upon the stage of the tumor, health status of the individual, and if it has metastasized

Who gets Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin occurs very infrequently and is commonly seen in adults in the 40-60 years age group (the average age of presentation being 50 years)
• Both males and females are equally affected
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected

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

• The risk factor for Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin includes the presence of a benign spiradenoma
• Currently, no other risk factors have been 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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin is unknown. However, it arises from the sweat glands
• It can arise spontaneously or it can arise from a spiradenoma (a type of benign skin tumor), which then becomes malignant
• Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin?

Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin may present the following signs and symptoms:

• Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin is typically seen as a solitary tumor
• The size of the tumor may range from 1-15 cm
• It is mostly asymptomatic and painless
• The tumor may ulcerate, which can cause pain at the site
• It is a slow-growing tumor, but the tumor is known to suddenly start growing rapidly. It can last for years, before this rapid growth occurs
• The usual sites of the tumor are the upper and lower limbs, and head and neck region

How is Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Spiradenocarcinoma 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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin?

Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin can cause the following complications:

• The tumor can metastasize to the local lymph nodes and to distant sites, such as the lungs and bones
• 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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin Treated?

The treatment of Spiradenocarcinoma 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, 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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Spiradenocarcinoma 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 Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Spiradenocarcinoma 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 respectability 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 is unpredictable
• Most tumors are longstanding and regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider are important

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Spiradenocarcinoma of Skin:

• There is no evidence to prove that Cutaneous Spiradenocarcinoma 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