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Rare type of sweat gland cancer

Apocrine gland carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that originates in the apocrine sweat glands. These glands are a type of sweat gland found primarily in the axillae, areola, and anogenital region. Apocrine gland carcinoma is considered a type of adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that forms in glandular tissues.

Pathophysiology

Apocrine gland carcinoma arises from the apocrine sweat glands, which are responsible for secreting a milky fluid into the hair follicle. These glands become active during puberty and are influenced by hormones. The cancer is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of cells within these glands, leading to the formation of a tumor.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with apocrine gland carcinoma typically present with a slow-growing, painless mass in areas where apocrine glands are concentrated. The tumor may appear as a firm, nodular lesion that can be mistaken for a benign condition such as a cyst or lipoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of apocrine gland carcinoma involves a combination of clinical examination and histopathological analysis. A biopsy of the lesion is performed to obtain tissue samples, which are then examined under a microscope. The presence of atypical cells and glandular structures confirms the diagnosis.

Treatment

The primary treatment for apocrine gland carcinoma is surgical excision with clear margins. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered, especially if the cancer has metastasized or if surgical removal is not feasible.

Prognosis

The prognosis for apocrine gland carcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the extent of metastasis. Early detection and complete surgical excision generally result in a favorable outcome. However, the rarity of the condition means that long-term data on survival rates are limited.

Related pages

• Sweat gland
• Skin cancer
• Adenocarcinoma
• Histopathology

Gallery

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  Histological image of apocrine gland carcinoma

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