Malignant Hidradenocarcinoma Initially Diagnosed as an Apocrine Hidrocystoma: a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor with an aggressive clinical course, and it accounts for < 0.05% of all malignant tumors. It is known to mainly develop de novo, and rarely seen observed to arise from an existing hidradenoma. In this report, we describe a rare case of hidradenocarcinoma that was initially diagnosed as an apocrine hidrocystoma on punch biopsy. During follow-up, the lesion recurred, and complete excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hidradenocarcinoma. Because of the aggressive nature of the disease, we performed wide excision of the lesion, and the defect was reconstructed with a thin free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. No evidence of recurrence was observed during the 11-month follow-up period.