Histiocytoid eccrine sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid: report of a case
Friday, July 28th, 2006.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2006 Jul 24; [Epub ahead of print] [Link]
Swinson B, Ryan F, Barrett AW, Jerjes W, Landon G, Calonje E, Kalavrezos N.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Unit, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Healthcare Sciences, University College London, University of London, London, UK.
Abstract
This report describes the 12th documented case of histiocytoid, diffuse or signet-ring cell eccrine sweat gland carcinoma of the eyelid, a rare neoplasm that characteristically affects older men and mimics distant metastasis. Clinically, the patient was thought to have a colonic metastasis. Histologically, the neoplasm comprised sheets and cords of polygonal, eosinophilic cells, with dispersed larger, rounded single cells resembling histiocytes, and cells with cytoplasmic lumina or a signet-ring appearance. Occasional duct formation was also seen. The features were reminiscent of both the histiocytoid and lobular variants of breast carcinoma. Ultrastructurally, the presence of nonintestinal type microvilli with a length : width ratio in excess of 16 were consistent with an eccrine origin, but also raised the possibility of metastatic mesothelioma. However, a metastatic lesion was excluded by clinical and imaging investigations. There has been no recurrence 3 years after primary excision.
