Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum: Clinicopathologic analysis of 10 cases

Abstract

Background: Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum (SCACP) is an exceedingly rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic features of SCACP, and to discuss the prognosis of this rare entity.

Method: We retrospectively collected clinical, pathological and follow-up data of 10 cases with SCACP.

Results: There were 8 males and 2 females, with ages ranging from 26 to 74 years. The chest was most frequently involved. Histologically, 1 case only showed SCACP in situ, 9 cases presented with variable invasive components of adenocarcinoma and/or squamous cell carcinoma in addition to areas of in situ. Apocrine differentiation with decapitation was evident in 4 cases and mucinous metaplasia was noted in 1 case. P63 was positive in invasive squamous cell carcinoma, while CK7 was variably positive in invasive adenocarcinoma. Regional lymph node metastasis was confirmed by pathological examination in 4 patients. Follow up was available for 9 patients, ranging from 3 to 112 months. Three patients died of the disease within 1 year after recurrences.

Conclusions: Because of high rates of regional lymph node metastasis and mortality in our patients, clinical behavior of SCACP seems to be more aggressive than that previously reported.

Keywords: immunohistochemistry; morphology; prognosis; syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum; syringocystadenoma papilliferum.