Clear cell hidradenoma of the eyelid: a case report

Sweat gland tumours are extremely rare in the eyelids. We report a case of a clear cell hidradenoma (nodular hidradenoma) in an elderly female, who had presented with a nodular swelling in a eyelid. Clear cell hidradenomas arise as intradermal nodules from eccrine sweat glands. Ultrastructural and enzyme histochemical studies have shown nodular hidradenomas to be intermediate between eccrine poroma and eccrine spiradenoma. No apocrine differentiation has ever been observed in these tumours. Malignant forms are distinctly unusual. This case is being documented for the extremely uncommon presentation of this tumour as an eyelid mass. Complete primary excision is advocated and local steroid preparations should bot be used.