A low grade scirrhous carcinoma of eccrine gland origin in adolescence

We report a rare occurrence of adnexal carcinoma in an adolescent. A 17-year-old Japanese girl had a gradually enlarging tumor on the elbow. Histopathologically, the exophytic tumor showed asymmetrical lobules of tumor embedded in a thickened collagenous stroma. The lobules were composed of various patterns of tumor cell nests ranging from tubular to solid forms. Invasive growth patterns were also observed in the stroma. Two types of the cells, cuboidal and elliptically polygonal, were noted. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of S-100 protein and cytokeratin 8 and the absence of gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 in the tumor cells. Electron microscopic observation showed a ductal or glandular differentiation and fragmented basal laminae around the nests. Light and electron microscopic findings of this tumor are suggestive of a low-grade sweat gland carcinoma.