Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum of the Scalp Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Syringocytadernoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a rare benign tumour of the apocrine or eccrine sweat glands. Predominantly a tumour of childhood. SCAP usually presents as a solitary papule, nodule, or plaque on the scalp. However, cutaneous adnexal tumours may bring diagnostic difficulties to dermatologists in everyday practice. We are presenting a case of SCAP, which we previously diagnosed clinically as squamous cell carcinoma. Case presentation:A 33 years old female with ten years history of a skin lesion on the scalp, which bleeds easily when touched. The lesion consisted of a red crusted nodule measuring 3 cm by 1.5 cm on the right parietal region. Dermoscopically, we saw white circles and scales. We made a clinical diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, and we did a wide surgical excision. The histology results showed features of SCAP.Conclusions: With any tumour on the scalp with a long-standing history, especially in the middle-aged group, SCAP needs to be among the differential diagnoses. SCAP may mimic other cutaneous tumours, especially squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.