Syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid

To describe 6 patients with syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid and to review the literature regarding this rare eyelid tumor.

Clinicopathologic series of 6 cases, diagnosed at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1990 to 2006. The PubMed database was searched for reported cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid (keywords: syringocystadenoma, eyelid, apocrine, eccrine).

Fourteen patients (6 from the current case series and 8 previously reported) with syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid were identified. Patient age ranged from 8 to 82 years (mean, 44.6 years). Most cases had a preoperative diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or cyst. Histopathologic evaluation of excised lesions revealed proliferation of duct-like channels in the dermis. These channels were lined by nonkeratinizing epithelium and communicated with the epidermis. Papillary structures with plasma cell-rich stromal infiltrate protruded in the cystic invaginations. Nine lesions (64%) were associated with apocrine, eccrine, or sebaceous tumors or malformations. None of the lesions was associated with a malignant neoplasm. One lesion recurred after incomplete excision. None of the completely excised lesions recurred.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum can rarely affect eyelid skin. This lesion is frequently clinically misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or cyst. Although syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid can be associated with other benign lesions, no malignant transformation or association with malignant neoplasms has been reported. The evidence suggests that this tumor should be managed with conservative complete excision.