Malignant chondroid syringoma

Malignant chondroid syringoma (MCS), also known as malignant mixed tumor of the skin, is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects the skin. It is a malignant variant of chondroid syringoma, which is a benign tumor that originates from the sweat glands.

Epidemiology

Malignant chondroid syringoma is extremely rare, with fewer than 50 cases reported in the literature. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. There is no known gender or racial predilection.

Pathogenesis

The exact cause of malignant chondroid syringoma is unknown. It is believed to arise from the eccrine sweat glands, which are a type of sweat gland found throughout the body. The tumor is composed of both epithelial and mesenchymal components, reflecting its mixed origin.

Clinical Features

Patients with malignant chondroid syringoma typically present with a slow-growing, painless nodule on the skin. The most common locations are the head and neck, but the tumor can occur anywhere on the body. Other symptoms may include ulceration of the skin and regional lymphadenopathy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of malignant chondroid syringoma is made based on the clinical presentation and histopathological examination of the tumor. Immunohistochemistry may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The tumor cells typically express markers of both epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation.

Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for malignant chondroid syringoma is surgical excision of the tumor. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used in cases where the tumor is not completely resectable or has metastasized to other parts of the body.

Prognosis

The prognosis of malignant chondroid syringoma is generally poor due to its aggressive nature and tendency to recur and metastasize. The 5-year survival rate is estimated to be less than 50%.

See Also

• Chondroid syringoma
• Eccrine sweat glands
• Cancer
• Immunohistochemistry