Published online Mar 16, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i8.1523
Peer-review started: December 16, 2023
First decision: January 10, 2024
Revised: January 19, 2024
Accepted: February 22, 2024
Article in press: February 22, 2024
Published online: March 16, 2024
Processing time: 86 Days and 17.2 Hours
Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare skin tumor that mainly affects the elderly population. Tumors often present with slow growth and a good prognosis. EPCs are usually distinguished from other skin tumors using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. However, surgical management alone may be inadequate if the tumor has metastasized. However, currently, surgical resection is the most commonly used treatment modality.
A seventy-four-year-old woman presented with a slow-growing nodule in her left temporal area, with no obvious itching or pain, for more than four months. Histopathological examination showed small columnar and short spindle-shaped cells; thus, basal cell carcinoma was suspected. However, immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of cytokeratin 5/6, p63 protein, p16 protein, and Ki-67 antigen (40%), and EPC was taken into consideration. The skin biopsy was repeated, and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed ductal differentiation in some cells. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with EPC, and Mohs micrographic surgery was performed. We adapted follow-up visits in a year and not found any recurrence of nodules.
This case report emphasizes the diagnosis and differentiation of EPC.
Core Tip: Eccrine porocarcinomas (EPCs) are rare skin tumors that grow slowly with no obvious discomfort. They are difficult to distinguish from basal cell carcinomas, particularly those that occur on the face. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are necessary to diagnose atypical lesions, their importance is demonstrated in our case. Multiple biopsies at different times are necessary to visualize ductal differentiation in cells. Our case reported a brief period of EPC in the temporal region of an elderly woman. We hope that our case findings will help in better understanding of EPCs.