Dermatol. praxi. 2023;17(4):205-208 [Onkologie. 2023:17(2):127-130]

Hidradenocarcinoma arising in the axilla - a report of a rare case

MUDr. PhDr. Vladimír Bartoš, PhD., MPH¹, MUDr. Zuzana Murárová, PhD.²

¹ Martinské bioptické centrum, s. r. o., Martin

² Kožná ambulancia, Národný onkologický ústav, Bratislava

Introduction: Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignant adnexal tumor which arises from the intradermal ducts of sweat glands. It often clinically mimics a benign (non-neoplastic) skin disease, which contributes to delayed diagnosis. 



Case report: A 51-year old man had noticed an „inflamed lump“ in his right armpit for the last year. The lesion clinically appeared as a suppurative hidradenitis. After its surgical incision, it was seen a progression of cutaneous tumorous resistance at a given location. The mass was completely excised. Histopathology revealed a solid high-grade carcinoma with a histomorphology and immunophenotype favoring the diagnosis of hidradenocarcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent a wide local reexcision with no tumor residues in the tissue. Further clinical examinations did not confirm tumor recurrence or metastases. 



Conclusion: Cutaneous hidradenocarcinoma is considered to be a neoplasm which exhibits an aggressive biological behaviour. Due to its rarity, it represents the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in oncodermatological practice. Early detection and complete surgical resection of the tumor with wide surgical margins are critical for further prognosis. The patients must be closely followed up. 

Keywords: hidradenocarcinoma, hidradenoma, skin adnexal tumors.

Published: November 21, 2023  Show citation