Eccrine mixed tumour pathology

Eccrine mixed tumours are rare. They present as slow growing nodules which typically occur on the head and neck.

Histology of eccrine mixed tumour

In eccrine mixed tumour, sections show small non-branching ducts set in a fibromucinous or chondroid matrix (figures 1, 2). The tumour is well circumscribed (figure 2) and based in the dermis or subcutis. The ducts are lined by bland cells which at high power resemble syringoma (figure 3). Unusual described features include cribriform glands, osseus metaplasia, and clear cell changes.

Figure 1 

Figure 2 

Figure 3 

Special studies for eccrine mixed tumour

None are generally needed.

Differential diagnosis of eccrine mixed tumour

Syringoma – These are not set in a fibromucinous or chrondroid stroma and usually occupy the superficial dermis

Apocrine mixed tumour – These are composed of larger ducts and glands which may be branching and mixed with mature cartilage