Publication:

Clear cell hidradenoma: a series of three cases

Described by various terms as clear cell hidradenoma, eccrine acrospiroma and clear cell myoepithelioma, clear cell hidradenoma is an uncommon adnexal tumor of eccrine or apocrine differentiation and common anatomic sites encountered are the head and neck region, trunk and extremities. It usually presents as a single papule, nodule or mass and are covered by intact skin or have ulcerative look. Occasionally, the development of brown, blue or red discoloration with superficial ulceration and serous discharge may mimic malignancy. Peak incidence of the disorder is fourth to eight decades, although all ages can be affected. On histopathology, tumour shows periodic acid–Schiff-positive clear cells and polyhedral cells. Recurrence rate is low if the lesion is completely excised. Here, we report three cases of clear cell hidradenoma presenting as a solitary nodule on the scalp, lower back and eyelid. The aim of this study is to create awareness about the various clinical presentations and morphological spectrum of this tumour as it can be a potential mimicker for some malignant tumours/metastasis particularly when it occurs in uncommon sites.