Porocarcinoma

Porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that originates from the sweat glands. It was first described in the medical literature by Pinkus and Mehregan in 1963. Porocarcinoma can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the lower extremities, particularly the feet.

Etiology

The exact cause of porocarcinoma is unknown. However, it is believed to arise from the eccrine glands, a type of sweat gland that is found throughout the body. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with porocarcinoma typically present with a solitary, slow-growing nodule or plaque. The lesion may be red, pink, or skin-colored and can vary in size. It is often mistaken for other skin conditions such as a wart, cyst, or dermatofibroma. Pain or bleeding may occur if the lesion is traumatized.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of porocarcinoma is made by biopsy of the lesion. Under the microscope, the tumor cells resemble those of the eccrine glands. They are typically arranged in nests or cords and may show evidence of ductal differentiation.

Treatment

The primary treatment for porocarcinoma is surgical excision. This involves removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind. In some cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for porocarcinoma is generally good if the cancer is detected and treated early. However, the tumor can be aggressive and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body (a process known as metastasis). Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.

See Also

• Eccrine carcinoma
• Sweat gland carcinoma
• Skin cancer