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

• Eccrine Syringoma
• Lymphangioma Tuberosum Multiplex

What is Syringoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Syringoma is a benign tumor of the eccrine (sweat) glands of skin. It is a common tumor that occurs on the skin as a painless papule
• There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the following:
  • Apocrine sweat glands
  • Eccrine sweat glands
  • Apoeccrine sweat glands
• Syringoma usually occur in young adults. The cause of occurrence of the tumor is 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 Syringoma is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Syringoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Syringoma can occur at any age, but is normally seen in young adults. It is also commonly present during puberty
• Both males and females may be affected with equal frequency
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected; however, the prevalence of Syringoma is higher in individuals of Asian descent and pigmented-skin individuals
• Worldwide, no geographical localization of Syringoma has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Syringoma? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Syringoma include the following:

• A positive family history of Syringoma
• Down syndrome
• Poorly-controlled diabetes

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 Syringoma? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Syringoma is unknown
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Syringoma?

The signs and symptoms of Syringoma may include:

• Syringoma typically occurs as a single, raised papule on the skin. It can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter
• 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, although the common areas include the head and neck (around the eyes and upper cheek), chest, and vulva
• If multiple papules occur suddenly all over the body, it is called Eruptive Syringoma
• Sometimes multiple Syringomas appear slowly around both eyes. This is a form a Syringoma, which is typically familial

How is Syringoma Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Syringoma 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
• Differential diagnosis of other tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma and eccrine hidrocystoma of skin, 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 Syringoma?

Syringoma is a benign tumor that does not cause any significant complications. However, the following factors may be a cause for concern:

• The presence of multiple papules (or large-sized papules) may result in cosmetic issues
• Recurrence of the tumor on incomplete surgical excision

How is Syringoma Treated?

The treatment of Syringoma may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the papule is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as cosmetic issues
• The treatment is a complete surgical excision, which results in a cure
• Once the tumor is completely removed, it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal may result in a recurrence
• Cauterization (burning-off) of the tumor can be performed using a CO2 laser or electrodessication

In most cases, Syringoma is removed to confirm the diagnosis and to eliminate the possibility of other malignant skin tumors.

How can Syringoma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent the occurrence of Syringoma.

What is the Prognosis of Syringoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Syringoma is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Syringoma:

• There is no evidence to prove that oily foods and chocolate-based products have an influence on Syringoma
• 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