Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma of the Lower lip: A Case Report

Lee, Chae Su; Rah, Dong Kyun; Kim, Sang Kyum; Tark, Kwan Chul

Abstract

PURPOSE: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare malignant appendage tumor, first described by Goldstein et al in 1982. Here, we present our experience in treatment of a case on the lower lip.
METHODS
A 52-year-old female with an asymptomatic nodule on the chin, previously misdiagnosed as trichoadenoma by needle aspiration biopsy, was treated by wide excision combined with multiple circumferential frozen biopsies.
RESULTS
Pathological examination revealed typical features of microcystic adnexal carcinoma, such as basaloid and squamous cells forming nests and cord-like patterns, horn cysts, and minimal cytologic atypia. The patient has been followed up for 6 months. No sign of recurrence is noted to date.
CONCLUSION
Differentiation from other benign adnexal neoplasms is important for its appropriate treatment. Differentiation can be difficult histologically because it is difficult to acquire an adequate biopsy due to its invasiveness, and clinically due to its asymptomatic and slow growing features. Complete excision is the key treatment, but it may not always be the best solution considering the huge defect that may result and the low incidence of metastasis & deaths owing to the tumor. We add this case to the approximately 300 cases reported worldwide with a review of literature.