Tubular apocrine adenoma

Tubular apocrine adenoma is a rare cutaneous condition characterized by a benign tumor of the apocrine sweat glands. It was first described in the medical literature in 1979 by French dermatologist Robert Baran.

Clinical Presentation

Tubular apocrine adenoma typically presents as a solitary, slow-growing, painless nodule. The most common location for the tumor is the scalp, but it can also occur on the face, trunk, and extremities. The size of the tumor can vary, but it is usually less than 2 cm in diameter. The overlying skin may be normal or exhibit changes such as hyperpigmentation, ulceration, or atrophy.

Pathology

Histologically, tubular apocrine adenoma is characterized by the presence of tubular structures lined by a double layer of cells. The inner layer consists of tall columnar cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and decapitation secretion, a characteristic feature of apocrine differentiation. The outer layer is composed of myoepithelial cells. The tumor is usually well circumscribed and may be encapsulated.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tubular apocrine adenoma is based on the clinical presentation and histopathological findings. Other conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis include hidradenoma, cylindroma, and syringoma.

Treatment

The treatment of choice for tubular apocrine adenoma is surgical excision. Recurrence after excision is rare.

See Also

• List of cutaneous conditions
• Apocrine sweat gland

References

Tubular apocrine adenoma Resources
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