Primary Cutaneous Apocrine Carcinoma of the Thigh: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Adnexal carcinomas are rare cutaneous malignancies arising from the eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, follicles and sebaceous glands. They occur mainly in elderly people. We report the case of a patient treated for locally advanced apocrine adnexal carcinoma of the thigh, with a review of the literature. The patient was 69 years old, he complained of pruritus on the anterior region of the left thigh four months ago with the appearance of a homolateral inguinal mass without any other associated signs. A left inguinal adenectomy was performed. After almost 15 days, the left inguinal adenopathy reappeared associated with diffuse erythematous nodules on the anterior region of the thigh. The pathological study suggested an adnexal carcinoma of the apocrine type. Surgical treatment was not feasible, therefore primary exclusive radiotherapy was administered at a total dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions of 2 Gy each. Radiotherapy went well with some adverse events. One-month post-radiation assessment showed clinical and radiological progression.