A case of an apocrine adenocarcinoma originating in the eyelid

Abstract

Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that originates from the apocrine gland. Most of them are reported to occur in the axilla ; apocrine adenocarcinoma arising from the eyelid is extremely rare. We experienced a case of apocrine adenocarcinoma that arose from the lower right eyelid. The case was a man in his 70s who visited an ophthalmologist with a chief complaint of right lacrimation. The ophthalmologist found him to have a right orbital tumor by using enhanced MRI. Because the tumor may have extended to the nasolacrimal duct, he was referred to the Yamaguchi University Department of Otolaryngology for treatment. We diagnosed an apocrine adenocarcinoma originating in the right lower eyelid. Since the cancer was non-metastatic, we performed right orbital total exenteration and partial maxillary resection as cancer treatment.Treatment of apocrine adenocarcinoma is often based on surgical resection; no consensus has been established regarding the usefulness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for treatment. Apocrine adenocarcinoma is considered to have a relatively good prognosis. However, it is suggested that there may be some cases with high malignancy. Therefore, we consider that careful follow-up is necessary for patients after treatment for apocrine adenocarcinoma.