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

• Apocrine Adenoma
• Papillary Tubular Adenoma
• Tubular Adenoma

What is Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

• Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is a benign tumor that arises from the apocrine sweat gland. It is a relatively uncommon tumor
• There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the following:
  • Apocrine sweat glands
  • Eccrine sweat glands
  • Sebaceous sweat glands
• Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is a slow-growing and usually solitary tumor that occurs as a painless nodule. It can affect a wide age range of individuals and can be present anywhere in the body
• The cause of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is not yet well-established, though other skin conditions, such as syringocystadenoma papilliferum and organoid nevus, may influence its development
• A simple surgical excision of the tumor is considered curative. The prognosis for Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is a rare tumor that may occur at any age (during adulthood or childhood)
• Both males and females may be affected, though females are affected more than males
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, the identified risk factors for Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin include:

• Syringocystadenoma papilliferum
• Organoid nevus

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 Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is unknown
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin?

The signs and symptoms of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin include:

• It usually occurs as solitary nodule on skin
• It is a slow-growing tumor that ranges in size from 1-10 cm; frequently it is less than 3 cm in size
• The nodule is painless and non-itchy
• Some tumors can be pigmented
• Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin can occur on any part of the body including the anogenital area. However, they are commonly observed on the head and neck area (particularly on the scalp)

How is Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma 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 Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin?

Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is a benign skin lesion and it may cause the following complications:

• The tumors can ulcerate and bleed. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop (superimposed infections)
• Some individuals may have concerns regarding their cosmetic appearance

How is Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin Treated?

The treatment of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor 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
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Tubular Apocrine Adenoma of Skin:

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