Eccrine poroma: a differential diagnosis in chronic foot lesions

Eccrine poroma is a benign tumor which arises from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine sweat glands. It usually occurs as a solitary lesion in the extremity, with the foot and sole as a common site. It may present as a foot mass, ulcerative lesion, bleeding lesion, or suspected melanoma. The clinical diagnosis is often delayed or inaccurate. Three cases of eccrine poroma on the foot are presented. The clinical and histological features, problem in diagnosis, chance of recurrence, and potential transformation to eccrine porocarcinoma are discussed. It is emphasized that eccrine poroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic foot lesions. Complete excision prevents recurrence, excludes dysplastic change, and prevents future malignant change.