A CASE REPORT OF APOCRINE ADENOCARCINOMA ARISING IN THE AXILLA

Abstract

A case of apocrine adenocarcinoma arising in the axilla was experienced, A 66-year-old man was seen at the hospital because of a tumor of the right axilla. The tumor was extirpated and diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. Etiologically it was able to be considered that the tumor was probably originated from (1) the appendages of the skin in the axillary region: (2) accessory breast in the axillary region; (3) axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer; and (4) axillary lymph node metastasis from cancer of other organ. As a result of exploration, possibilities (3) and (4) were ruled out and (1) and (2) were considered probable. Extended skin excision and axillary lymph node dissection were performed. Histological examination performed again indicated decapitation which is a pituitary pattern characteristic of normal apocrine gland. The patient was diagnosed as apocrine adenocarcinoma arising in the axilla. Thirteen cases of this disease including this case have been reported in Japan. This disease tended to occur in men. There was no significant difference in the frequency of occurrence between the right and left axillae. Extended excision was performed in 11 cases. Of the 11 cases, 7 cases were added lymph node dissection and positive lymph node was demonstrated in 5 cases. The necessity of lymph node dissection should be emphasized in the treatment of the disease.