A Case of Hidradenocarcinoma Volume 4 - Issue 1

Wanda Taylor DO¹*, Jordan Adams DO, Brittany Harlow DO, Emily Carico DO and Erica Schuster MD

• Family Medicine Physician in Hazard, KY, USA

Received:November 10, 2021;   Published: November 16, 2021

Corresponding author: Wanda Taylor DO, Family medicine physician in Hazard, KY, USA

DOI: 10.32474/JCCM.2021.04.000179

Abstract PDF

This is a case regarding a rare type of skin cancer, Hidradenocarcinoma, in an elderly man.

An 89 yr Caucasian male resident of a long-term care facility with past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease developed a painless skin lesion on the right side of his face. The lesion grew rapidly into a large lesion. Initial biopsy resulted inconclusive and required further pathological analysis. Further study of the specimen revealed the presence of hidradenocarcinoma. The patient underwent surgical excision and subsequent skin grafting due to the size of the lesion. He had recurrence of the tumor, requiring multiple additional surgical procedures and radiation therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, the tumor continued to grow, invading into surrounding tissues including the orbit and oral cavity. The patient decided to discontinue treatments and opted for comfort care with Hospice. He subsequently passed away at the long-term care facility (Figures 1-16).

Figure 1: Disease progression shown in the photos.

Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare form of malignancy associated with abnormal growth of sweat glands. Typically occurring in people aged 30-60, it can occur anywhere on the body, but usually seen on the head and neck area. It generally begins as a painless, solitary lesion that tends to have slow growth. Hidradenocarcinoma does have the ability to metastasize to local tissues or to distant body parts. At this time, the cause of hidradenocarcinoma remains unknown. Diagnosis is made via obtaining a skin biopsy and pathological evaluation, which can be challenging. Hidradenocarcinoma can resemble benign lesions on pathological exam. Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, as well as radiation and/or chemotherapy. Prognosis is best if found early, otherwise it is poor.

The authors have no financial disclosures to report.