Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Scalp-A Case Report

Abstract

Primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin is a rare tumor with only cases reported in the literature since the first description of a case by Lennox et al. in 1952. This tumor is a histologic subtype of sweat gland carcinoma. Because of the histopathologic appearance, primary mucinous carcinoma of skin can be mistaken for metastasis from extracutaneous sites. Most cases occur mainly between the fifth and the seventh decade of life. They are growing slowly with a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis. This tumor has not been widely reported in the plastic surgery literature. We describe a 59-year-old woman with a tumor on the right scalp. This lesion enlarged progressively and showed a reddish, elevated, dome-shaped surface. Excisional biopsy of the tumor revealed mucinous carcinoma. Further treatment involved wide local excision and reconstruction. In attempt to improve the recognition of this clinical entity, we discuss the histopathology, clinical course, surgical management and prognosis. Mucinous carcinoma can occur in noncutaneous visceral sites and metastasize to the skin. Systemic investigation were undertaken to exclude the possibility of metastatic mucinous carcinoma.