Hidradenocarcinoma presenting as soft tissue mass: Case report with cytomorphologic description, histologic correlation, and differential diagnosis

Abstract

Hidradenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare adenexal tumor with a propensity for the head and neck region and extremities. We report a case of hidradenocarcinnoma in a 56-year-old woman with a mass on her right palm sampled by fine-needle aspiration and later confirmed on histological examination. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed a dual population of cells including polyhedral eosinophilic cells and glycogen containing cells with pale/clear cytoplasm. The nuclei were pleomorphic with prominent nucleoli. Occassional papillary structures were identified on the cell block material. A series of immunohistochemical stains were performed and an adnexal neoplasm was suggested. The mass was resected. On histologic sections, infiltration into the adjacent soft tissue was identified. After an additional series of immunohistochemical stains, the diagnosis was confirmed as a HAC. Herein, we present our findings and discuss the differential diagnoses.

Clear cell hidradenoma of the hand: A case report in an 83-year old patient

“…Hidradenocarcinoma (HAC) is the malignant variant of CCH which are also very rare on the hand; most of them seem to appear de novo. Jinnah et al [ 14 ] described a case of HAC in a 56-year-old female, who presented a 3.5 cm mass on the right palm, which underwent fine needle aspiration followed by complete surgical excision. Chan et al [ 15 ] described another HAC of the middle finger in a 70-year old man, which they ended up treating with amputation.…”

Malignant nodular hidradenoma-inguinal region clinically masquerading as squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

“…6 They typically stain with AE1/AE3, CK5, and CK6, with high Ki-67 expression helping to distinguish hidradenocarcinoma from atypical hidradenoma. 9 Occasional tumors may demonstrate the [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] translocation seen in clear cell hidradenomas. 7 CEA and EMA stain the luminal borders of ductal structures.…”

A Case for a Local Flap as Primary Reconstruction for Hidradenocarcinoma of the Leg

“… 5 , 6 The diagnosis of this patient is unexpected, considering that other benign soft tissue masses such as lipomas, epidermoid cysts, furuncles, and even malignant squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and other malignant adnexal carcinomas are more likely. 7 …”