Implantation of epidermal fragments into the dermis has been pointed out as the cause of common epidermal cysts. However, some palmoplantar epidermoid cysts have been reported to be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or to be derived from eccrine ducts. A 65-year-old left-handed woman presented with extraordinary multiple epidermoid cysts on the palm and volar aspect of the fingers of her left hand. HPV infection was not detected by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. Histological investigation revealed syringeal structures within the cyst wall and in the cyst cavity. Carcinoembryonic antigen was observed in these syringeal structures but was not specifically stained in the cyst wall cells by immunohistochemistry. The cytokeratin composition of the cyst wall cells was similar to that of the nonadnexal epidermis.

No abstract