Dermoscopy of apocrine hidrocystomas: a morphological study

Apocrine cystadenoma: A long-standing apocrine hidrocystoma with an adenomatous proliferation

BACKGROUND

Apocrine cystadenoma is a rare, benign adenomatous cystic neoplasm, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. We sought to characterize the clinical, dermatoscopic, and histopathologic features of apocrine cystadenoma and its relationship to hidrocystoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed cases of apocrine cystadenoma and hidrocystoma retrieved from the dermatopathology laboratory information system.

RESULTS

Of the 350 cases apocrine cystic lesions, 13 cases of apocrine cystadenomas met the inclusion criteria. The age ranged from 20 to 84 years with an average of 64 years. They were long-standing (duration 3-15 years), slow-growing, large tumors usually found on the scalp. Dermatoscopy accentuated translucent light to dark blue color and prominent vessels that were present more at the periphery. All lesions were multilocular with columnar to cuboidal lining and decapitation secretion. A large portion of the lesion consisted of a simple nonproliferative epithelial lining, identical to that observed in apocrine hidrocystomas, while the proliferative adenomatous component made up a smaller portion with two patterns: (1) tubular proliferation, which either protruded into the cystic cavity or expanded outward peripherally, or (2) papillary projections, which were multiple layers thick with fibrovascular core, sometimes accompanied by tubular proliferation. Immunohistochemical stains showed strong staining for p40 and a sparse number of cells stained for Ki-67 and p53.

CONCLUSIONS

The long duration of the lesion and the large areas of simple apocrine epithelial lining suggest that apocrine cystadenomas arise from long-standing apocrine hidrocystomas. However, the retrospective nature of the study from a single institution is a limitation.

Tristar Vessels: A Newly Described Dermoscopic Vessel Pattern of Miescher’s Nevus

Purpose: Although it is very common in people over 30 years old, little is known about the validity of dermoscopic criteria to differentiate Miescher’s nevus (MN) from other papulonodular lesions located on the head and neck. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dermoscopic findings in MN on the head and neck in patients over 40 years by using dermoscopy. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study 170 MN were evaluated by using polarized light dermoscopy. frequencies of dermoscopic findings in MN were determined using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 15.0. Results: The most frequently detected dermoscopic pattern in MN was globular pattern (64.5%), less often homogeneous (32.4%) or cobblestone pattern (2.9%). Globules were observed in 75.3% of MN and dots were seen in 12.4%. They frequently had skin-colored (87.1%) or light-brown (49.4%) homogeneous structureless areas. Elongated comma vessels (47.1%) were the most common vascular findings. Although comma vessels (33.5%) and linear vessels (4.7%) were also observed, 11.2% of MN presented “tristar vessels” (a newly described vascular pattern) that showed regular ‘tristar like ramifications’ in the distal part of the vessels. Conclusions: Firstly identified “tristar vessel pattern” is a dermoscopic description of MN that can be a useful clue to differential diagnosis.

Dermoscopy of cutaneous adnexal tumors: a systematic review of the literature

Cutaneous adnexal tumors (ATs) encompass a variegated group of hamartomas and benign or malignant tumors, originating from the hair follicle, sebaceous, eccrine or apocrine glands that may simulate other cutaneous neoplasms. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the spectrum of clinical and dermoscopic features of ATs, to better define these lesions and assist in differential diagnosis. We performed a two-step systematic search of literature in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception until September 4, 2020. In the first step we aimed to define histological variants of ATs with descriptions of dermoscopic criteria. The second step included a search for the name of each previously identified AT variants in the same databases adding "AND (epilum* or dermosc* or dermatosc*)". All study types in English-language reporting dermoscopic images of ATs were included. Collisions between ATs and other inflammatory or neoplastic skin lesions were excluded, with the exception of collisions with a sebaceous nevus. The protocol of this study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021244677). In total, 206 articles met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 372 ATs in 365 patients. Most ATs were apocrine-eccrine (n=217, 58.3%, n=173 benign) with a prevalence of poromas (n=82), followed by follicular ATs (n=88, 23.7%, n=83 benign) and sebaceous ATs (n=67, 18.0%, n=49 benign). Most patients had a single AT lesion (320, 86.0%), while 42 (11.3%) had multiple ATs. A syndrome causing multiple ATs was identified in 15 patients. Histopathological analysis revealed 82% benign (n= 305) and 18.0% malignant (n=67). ATs were classified according to their ability to mimic 4 groups of more common skin tumors: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanocytic lesions and benign cutaneous lesions. Moreover, we have highlighted the ability of malignant variants of ATs to simulate benign skin lesions. This systematic review offers a comprehensive overview of the common clinical and dermoscopic features of follicular, sebaceous and apocrine-eccrine ATs and details possible differential dermoscopic features.

Use of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Hidrocystomas: An Emerging, Cost-Effective, and Powerful Tool

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an emerging and noninvasive imaging tool in dermatological practice. Benefits of this modality include differentiation between benign and malignant skin lesions, prevention of unnecessary biopsies, and cost effectiveness. However, RCM findings for benign lesions are rarely reported in the literature. We describe a case of reflectance confocal microscopy findings of a hidrocystoma and review potential applications of this imaging technique in everyday clinical practice.

Eccrine Hidrocystoma: A Report of Two Cases with Special Reference to Dermoscopic Features

Eccrine hidrocystomas (EHs) are benign tumors, which arise as cystic dilatation of the eccrine sweat duct. The lesions of EH have a chronic course with periodic flares in summer months, associated with exacerbation in sweating. Diagnosis is mainly clinical with histopathology being confirmatory. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive tool, which may confirm diagnosis of EH without subjecting the patient to a biopsy. We report two representative cases of EH, with emphasis on dermoscopic features and which well responded to topical botulinum toxin-like peptide.

The role of dermoscopy in diagnostics of dermatological conditions of the eyelid, eyelashes, and conjunctiva - a literature review

The role of dermoscopy in dermatology is constantly evolving. Relatively little is known about its application in diagnosis of dermatological conditions of the eyelid, eyelashes, and conjunctiva. The aim of the study is to summarize the existing knowledge in this field.

Dermoscopy of Adnexal Tumors

Cutaneous adnexal tumors include lesions with apocrine, eccrine, follicular, sebaceous, and mixed differentiation. Most are benign and sporadic, although malignant forms are occasionally observed and some cases develop in the setting of inherited syndromes. These tumors often cause immense diagnostic difficulty. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of different skin lesions, including these tumors. We provide a review of the literature on the dermoscopic structures and patterns associated with adnexal tumors. Most patterns associated with this kind of tumor are nonspecific and are observed in other nonadnexal tumors, especially in basal cell carcinomas.

Dermoscopy of a rare case of linear syringocystadenoma papilliferum with review of the literature

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a benign hamartomatous tumor arising from pluripotent cells with either apocrine or eccrine differentiation. We report a rare case of de novo linear SCAP in a 12-year-old female child with lesions over the chest along with the dermoscopic findings.

Arborizing Vessels on Dermoscopy in Various Skin Diseases Other Than Basal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Arborizing vessels (AVs) are dermoscopically defined as telangiectasias with distinct treelike branching, and are a characteristic feature of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, AVs are observed in various conditions other than BCC.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate skin diseases showing AV and investigates dermoscopic differences between BCC and non-BCC.

Methods

Dermoscopic images showing AV were prospectively collected and classified into BCC/non-BCC. Non-BCC was further classified into tumors (benign cystic, benign non-cystic, premalignant, and malignant) and non-tumors. We compared AV focusing, widest diameter of stem vessels, widest diameter ratio of stem vessel to first branch, and number of ramifications between groups.

Results

Among 124 images, 54.0% were BCC and 46.0% were non-BCC. Non-BCC included epidermal cysts, hypertrophic scars/keloids, intradermal nevi, actinic keratoses, etc. The proportion of focused AV in BCC was significantly higher and the proportion of unfocused AV in BCC was lower than that of premalignant and malignant non-BCC. The widest diameter ratio of stem vessel to first branch was higher in non-BCC. Number of ramifications was significantly less in benign cystic non-BCC than BCC.

Conclusion

Various skin diseases showed AV, so that diagnoses other than BCC should be considered. The findings in this study could help discriminate BCC from non-BCC.

Pale halo surrounding a homogeneous bluish-purplish central area: dermoscopic clue for eccrine hidrocystoma

Eccrine hidrocystomas are benign tumors of the sweat glands that arise from cystic dilatation of the excretory sweat duct. Exact diagnosis requires biopsy and histopathologic examination, from which arises risk of scarring. Dermoscopy could be a useful tool in diagnosing eccrine hidrocystomas. Herein we aim to present dermoscopic features in three female patients with multiple lesions on the face consistent with eccrine hidrocystomas.

Yellow and orange in cutaneous lesions: clinical and dermoscopic data

Colour of the lesions is clue for the clinical and dermoscopic diagnosis. Nevertheless, we have detected in the literature an uneven relevance of the colours as a diagnostic criterion. Thus, while red, brown and blue have taken important role in dermoscopic descriptions, other like yellow and orange have been given much less importance. This article reviews those lesions in which the yellow and orange colours have been considered constitutive or essential for diagnosis, and on the other hand it emphasizes the entities in which may appear these colours and are not well reflected in the literature. We believe that organize all this information will help us in a better understanding of these pathologies.

Dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous: a morphological study of 58 cases

BACKGROUND

Naevus sebaceous is a congenital hamartoma commonly associated with the development of secondary neoplasms. There are sparse data relating to the dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the dermoscopic features of a large series of neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous.

METHODS

Digital dermoscopic images of 58 histopathologically confirmed cases of secondary neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous collected from 11 hospitals in Spain, France, Italy and Austria were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns.

RESULTS

The most frequent tumours collected were: trichoblastoma (39.6%), basal cell carcinoma (20.7%) and syringocystadenoma papilliferum (15.6%). The most remarkable findings were: (i) the pattern composed of asymmetrical large blue-grey ovoid nests was more common in basal cell carcinomas than in trichoblastoma (58.3% vs. 4.3%; P < 0.001) and the pattern composed of a symmetrical total large blue-grey ovoid nest (a blue-grey homogeneous area which occupies the whole lesion) was more common in trichoblastoma (82.6% vs. 16.6%; P < 0.001); (ii) the most frequent pattern associated with syringocystadenoma papilliferum was a symmetric, erythematous lesion with exophytic papillary structures, ulceration and vessels (55.5%); (iii) the most common pattern associated with apocrine hidrocystomas was a total symmetric homogeneous area and arborizing telangiectasias (60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Benign adnexal tumours associated with naevus sebaceous are dermoscopic mimickers of basal cell carcinomas. A pigmented nodule arising in a naevus sebaceous with a total blue large ovoid nest on dermoscopy could be a trichoblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, hidrocystoma or hidradenoma. Dermoscopy can be a useful diagnostic tool which generates a more accurate preoperative diagnosis.

Pink lesions

Dermoscopy (dermatoscopy or surface microscopy) is an ancillary dermatologic tool that in experienced hands can improve the accuracy of diagnosis of a variety of benign and malignant pigmented skin tumors. The early and more accurate diagnosis of nonpigmented, or pink, tumors can also be assisted by dermoscopy. This review focuses on the dermoscopic diagnosis of pink lesions, with emphasis on blood vessel morphology and pattern. A 3-step algorithm is presented, which facilitates the timely and more accurate diagnosis of pink tumors and subsequently guides the management for such lesions.