Ectopic Tubular Papillary Apocrine Adenoma on the Eyelid: A Case Report of Misleading Clinical Presentation and Location

Abstract

We report the case of a 38-year-old patient with a tubular apocrine adenoma with papillary differentiation. The clinician was challenged in her diagnosis by the initially misleading appearance and ectopic location. Histopathological findings and immunohistochemistry delivered conclusive proof for the correct diagnosis. Therefore, it is important for the ophthalmologist to request histopathological analysis to diagnose and differentiate from malignancy. A complete local excision is recommended to prevent recurrence.

Apocrine tubular adenoma on the palm

“…As of 2021, PubMed search for this entity reveals only about 150 reports, most of which are TAA of the scalp and anogenital area. TAA in some uncommon locations such as the vulva and eyelid have been reported [5,6] . However, to our knowledge, this case is the first report to document an ectopic presentation in the palmar skin.…”

“…TAA in some uncommon locations such as the vulva and eyelid have been reported. [ 5 , 6 ] However, to our knowledge, this case is the first report to document an ectopic presentation in the palmar skin.…”

Tubular apocrine adenoma of the eyelid – A case report and literature review

“…Isolated eyelid tubular apocrine adenoma is an extremely rare benign apocrine neoplasm, with only 4 cases reported in the literature [1], [2], [3], [4]. The 3 lesions with documented clinical history all presented with features of a well-circumscribed nodule involving the lower (2/3) or upper (1/3) eyelid in 2 females and 1 male at a mean age of 47 years (range 38–63) [1], [2], [4]. Recurrence was noted in one of 3 lesions 1 .…”

“…The term “tubulopapillary cystic adenoma with apocrine differentiation” has been coined by Ansai and colleagues to describe the morphologic spectrum of these hybrid lesions 3 . Isolated tubular apocrine adenoma is exceedingly rare in the eyelid with only 4 previously reported cases [1], [2], [3], [4]. Herein, we describe a patient with tubular apocrine adenoma arising in the gland of Moll and discuss the clinical, microscopic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic features of this neoplasm.…”

“…Tubular apocrine adenoma is a rare benign adnexal neoplasm of apocrine derivation, which has been typically described in the scalp. This tumor is characterized histopathologically by a circumscribed intradermal proliferation of tubules lined by an apocrine epithelial bilayer in a background of hyalinized stroma [1], [2]. Tubular apocrine adenoma can be a component of other apocrine gland tumors, including syringocystadenoma papilliferum and apocrine cystadenoma.…”