Ann Dermatol.  2010 Nov;22(4):472-477. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.472.

A Case of Primary Cutaneous Mucinous Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation

• Kim JB
• Choi JH
• Kim JH
• Park HJ
• Lee JS
• Joh OJ
• Song KY

• KMID: 2266192
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.472

Abstract

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that originates from the deepest portion of the eccrine sweat duct. Common sites of involvement are the face and scalp. Biopsy shows dermal epithelial cell islands embedded in mucin pools separated by fibrous septae. It is difficult to differentiate this tumor histologically from metastatic adenocarcinoma. Recurrence after excision is common but metastases are rare. We report a primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation on the right cheek of a 63-year-old man.

Keyword

Cutaneous mucinous carcinoma; Eccrine sweat duct; Metastatic adenocarcinoma; Neuroendocrine differentiation

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous
Biopsy
Cheek
Epithelial Cells
Humans
Islands
Middle Aged
Mucins
Neoplasm Metastasis
Recurrence
Scalp
Sweat
Mucins

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) 1×1 cm sized erythematous dome-shaped nodule on right malar area. (B) Closer view.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Well-defined lobulated tumor nodule occupying the lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue (H&E stain, ×40). (B) Islands of uniform-appearing epithelial cells within abundant pools of mucin, separated by thin fibrovascular septae (H&E stain, ×400).

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  Fig. 3 Tumor cells floating in the mucin pool (A: Alcian blue, ×400; B: PAS, ×400).

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  Fig. 4 Results of immunohistochemical staining showed a positive reaction of synaptophysin (A), cytokeratin 7 (B), estrogen receptor (C), and progesterone receptor (D), and a negative reaction of cytokeratin 20 (E) (×400).

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