Papillary eccrine adenoma

We studied in 14 patients a distinctive eccrine sweat gland tumor that we have termed papillary eccrine adenoma. There was a majority of black patients, and the tumors were located most often on the distal extremities. Eleven patients were followed up for an average of 35 months after excision of the tumor. No tumor metastasized but one recurred, and since re-excision the patient has been followed up 30 months further regrowth. Although previously regarded sometimes as malignant, the papillary eccrine adenoma is considered benign on the basis of our experience. Excision, with assurance from pathologic examination that the surgical margins are free of tumor, is the treatment of choice. Recognition of the neoplasm is based on the microscopic appearance of a pattern of structures resembling eccrine ducts, usually dilated, associated with intraluminal papillations.