Treatment of synchronous mucinous carcinoma and endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma with Mohs' micrographic surgery

Abstract

Background Endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma is a very rare cutaneous tumor that has been reported only in three patients previously. We report a case of an endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma associated with mucinous carcinoma treated by Mohs' micrographic surgery.

Objective The purpose of this report is to test the utility of Mohs' micrographic surgery in the treatment of mucinous carcinomata.

Methods A 79-year-old female with a 2-year history of four lesions of biopsy-proven endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinomas and mucinous carcinoma was treated with Mohs' micrographic surgery.

Results Three of the lesions were completely cleared by Mohs' micrographic surgery. The fourth lesion, in the right lateral canthus, was not cleared by the Mohs' technique because of its location within the orbit and the difficulty of retraction of the globe for appropriate visualization and excision. The patient underwent wide excision of the remaining orbital tumor and reconstruction, which was successfully accomplished. The patient did not experience a recurrence in any of her four lesions over a 2-year follow-up period.

Conclusion Mohs' micrographic surgery is an appropriate treatment for mucinous carcinomata, including endocrine mucin–producing sweat gland carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.