Porocarcinoma: Difference between revisions

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'''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.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Etiology==
| name                    = Porocarcinoma
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.
| image                  = [[File:Porocarcinoma_-_alt_--_low_mag.jpg|alt=Porocarcinoma under low magnification]]
 
| caption                = Porocarcinoma under low magnification
==Clinical Presentation==
| synonyms                = Malignant eccrine poroma, eccrine porocarcinoma
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.
| specialty              = [[Dermatology]], [[Oncology]]
 
| symptoms                = [[Skin lesion]], [[ulceration]], [[bleeding]]
==Diagnosis==
| onset                  = Typically in [[adulthood]]
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.
| duration                = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]]
 
| causes                  = [[Genetic mutations]], [[UV radiation]]
==Treatment==
| risks                  = [[Sun exposure]], [[immunosuppression]]
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.
| diagnosis              = [[Biopsy]], [[histopathology]]
 
| differential            = [[Squamous cell carcinoma]], [[basal cell carcinoma]], [[melanoma]]
==Prognosis==
| treatment              = [[Surgical excision]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]]
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.
| prognosis              = Variable, depends on stage and treatment
 
| frequency              = Rare
==See Also==
}}
* [[Eccrine carcinoma]]
'''Porocarcinoma''', also known as eccrine porocarcinoma, is a rare type of [[skin cancer]] that originates from the [[eccrine sweat gland]]s. It is considered a [[malignant]] form of [[poroma]], a benign sweat gland tumor. Porocarcinoma is most commonly found in the elderly population and can occur anywhere on the body, although it frequently appears on the lower extremities.
* [[Sweat gland carcinoma]]
== Clinical Presentation ==
Porocarcinoma typically presents as a solitary, slow-growing [[nodule]] or [[plaque]] that may be [[ulcerated]] or [[bleeding]]. The lesion can vary in color, appearing as red, pink, or brown. Due to its nonspecific appearance, porocarcinoma can be mistaken for other skin conditions such as [[basal cell carcinoma]], [[squamous cell carcinoma]], or [[melanoma]].
== Pathophysiology ==
Porocarcinoma arises from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat glands. The exact cause of porocarcinoma is not well understood, but it is believed to be associated with [[genetic mutations]] and [[ultraviolet radiation]] exposure. The tumor cells exhibit atypical features and can invade surrounding tissues, leading to potential [[metastasis]].
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of porocarcinoma is confirmed through a [[biopsy]] and [[histopathological]] examination. Under the microscope, porocarcinoma is characterized by atypical cells with ductal differentiation. The presence of [[ductal structures]] and [[infiltrative growth]] patterns are key features in distinguishing porocarcinoma from other skin malignancies.
== Treatment ==
The primary treatment for porocarcinoma is [[surgical excision]] with clear margins. [[Mohs micrographic surgery]] is often employed to ensure complete removal of the tumor while preserving healthy tissue. In cases where the tumor has metastasized, additional treatments such as [[radiation therapy]] or [[chemotherapy]] may be considered.
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for porocarcinoma depends on the stage at diagnosis and the presence of metastasis. Early detection and complete surgical removal generally result in a favorable outcome. However, advanced cases with regional or distant metastasis have a poorer prognosis.
== See Also ==
* [[Eccrine sweat gland]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
* [[Skin cancer]]
 
* [[Basal cell carcinoma]]
[[Category:Skin cancers]]
* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
* [[Melanoma]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
{{Skin neoplasms}}
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Skin neoplasms]]
 
[[Category:Rare cancers]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 06:40, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Porocarcinoma
Porocarcinoma under low magnification
Synonyms Malignant eccrine poroma, eccrine porocarcinoma
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Dermatology, Oncology
Symptoms Skin lesion, ulceration, bleeding
Complications N/A
Onset Typically in adulthood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutations, UV radiation
Risks Sun exposure, immunosuppression
Diagnosis Biopsy, histopathology
Differential diagnosis Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on stage and treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Porocarcinoma, also known as eccrine porocarcinoma, is a rare type of skin cancer that originates from the eccrine sweat glands. It is considered a malignant form of poroma, a benign sweat gland tumor. Porocarcinoma is most commonly found in the elderly population and can occur anywhere on the body, although it frequently appears on the lower extremities.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Porocarcinoma typically presents as a solitary, slow-growing nodule or plaque that may be ulcerated or bleeding. The lesion can vary in color, appearing as red, pink, or brown. Due to its nonspecific appearance, porocarcinoma can be mistaken for other skin conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Porocarcinoma arises from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat glands. The exact cause of porocarcinoma is not well understood, but it is believed to be associated with genetic mutations and ultraviolet radiation exposure. The tumor cells exhibit atypical features and can invade surrounding tissues, leading to potential metastasis.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of porocarcinoma is confirmed through a biopsy and histopathological examination. Under the microscope, porocarcinoma is characterized by atypical cells with ductal differentiation. The presence of ductal structures and infiltrative growth patterns are key features in distinguishing porocarcinoma from other skin malignancies.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for porocarcinoma is surgical excision with clear margins. Mohs micrographic surgery is often employed to ensure complete removal of the tumor while preserving healthy tissue. In cases where the tumor has metastasized, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for porocarcinoma depends on the stage at diagnosis and the presence of metastasis. Early detection and complete surgical removal generally result in a favorable outcome. However, advanced cases with regional or distant metastasis have a poorer prognosis.

See Also[edit]

Template:Skin neoplasms