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Apoeccrine glands in nevus sebaceus
1Department of Pathology, University Hospital, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Apoeccrine glands, a mix of eccrine and apocrine features, were observed in nevus sebaceus. These findings suggest a metaplasia of eccrine glands rather than a distinct type, impacting tumor classification.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Histology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Nevus sebaceus is a congenital skin hamartoma.
- The presence and nature of apoeccrine glands within nevus sebaceus require clarification.
- Understanding sweat gland differentiation is crucial for diagnosing skin neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of apoeccrine glands in nevus sebaceus.
- To determine if apoeccrine glands represent a distinct entity or a metaplastic change.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of 57 nevus sebaceus specimens.
- Microscopic analysis to identify and characterize apoeccrine gland structures.
Main Results:
- Apoeccrine glands were identified in 13 out of 57 (22.8%) nevus sebaceus specimens.
- These glands exhibited features of both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, with variable degrees of apocrine metaplasia.
- Evidence suggested a transformation of eccrine into apocrine glands, alongside development associated with pilosebaceous structures.
Conclusions:
- Apoeccrine glands in nevus sebaceus likely represent eccrine glands undergoing apocrine metaplasia.
- This metaplasia can vary from mild to complete transformation.
- The plasticity of eccrine epithelium contributes to challenges in classifying sweat gland tumors.