Chondroid syringoma of the lower back simulating lipoma: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a rare tumor of the apocrine or eccrine glands. CS of the lower back is rare, and its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lipoma, which is a common misdiagnosis for this disease.

CASE SUMMARY

A 39-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass on the lower back. The lesions increased progressively over time. The patient denied any history. Dermatological examination showed that there was a subcutaneous mass, ranging from 3-4 cm in diameter, with a clear boundary on the lower back. The surface of the skin was smooth without ulceration or scaling. Histopathologic examination was consistent with the diagnosis of CS.

CONCLUSION

CS is a rare tumor of the apocrine or eccrine glands. It usually presents as a wellcircumscribed and single subcutaneous masses. Histopathology showed the tumor was located in the dermis, with nests, sheets, and cords of basal-like cells, mucin deposition, and chondroid structures. We herein report a case of CS located in the lower back. CS of the lower back is rare, and its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lipoma, for which it is commonly misdiagnosed.

Keywords: Chondroid syringoma; Mixed tumor; Lower back; Lipoma; Case report

Core Tip: Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a rare tumor of the apocrine or eccrine glands. It usually occurs in the nose and surrounding areas, and it is rare in the lower back. It usually presents as a well-circumscribed, slow-growing, and single subcutaneous masses. It is easy to clinically misdiagnose CS as lipoma, but histopathological examination is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In our case, combined with the patient’s present illness, dermatological examination, and histopathology, the patient was diagnosed with CS. After surgical resection, no recurrence was found in follow-up visits.