Microcystic adnexal carcinoma
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| Microcystic adnexal carcinoma | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Sclerosing sweat duct carcinoma |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology, Oncology |
| Symptoms | Slow-growing skin lesion, usually on the face |
| Complications | Local tissue invasion, potential for disfigurement |
| Onset | Typically in middle-aged adults |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Risks | Sun exposure, Radiation therapy |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy, Histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Desmoplastic trichoepithelioma |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery |
| Medication | None specific |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment, but can be locally aggressive |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare form of skin cancer that primarily affects the sweat glands and hair follicles. It is characterized by slow growth and a high risk of local recurrence, but it rarely metastasizes.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
MAC typically presents as a skin-colored or slightly reddish, firm nodule or plaque. It is most commonly found on the face, particularly the upper lip and nose, but it can occur anywhere on the body. The lesion may be asymptomatic or may cause symptoms such as pain or numbness.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of MAC is unknown. However, it is thought to arise from the sweat glands and hair follicles, which are structures in the skin that produce sweat and hair, respectively. Some studies have suggested that exposure to radiation or a history of skin injury may increase the risk of developing MAC.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of MAC is typically made through a biopsy, in which a small sample of the lesion is removed and examined under a microscope. The characteristic microscopic features of MAC include small cysts and ducts, as well as nests of cells that invade the surrounding tissue.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of MAC typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. Because MAC often extends deeper into the tissue than it appears on the surface, wide excision or Mohs surgery is usually recommended. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for MAC is generally good, as it rarely metastasizes. However, the tumor often recurs locally, and repeated surgeries may be necessary.
See Also[edit]
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