Information about rare sweat gland cancer, symptoms are easily confused with other diseases

Image of a tumor appearing on the scalp - Photo: BVCC

Doctor Nguyen Canh Tung, Department of Plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation (Central Dermatology Hospital) said that sweat gland cancer is a rare disease, accounting for about 0.05% of skin cancers, with a high level of malignancy.

Clinical manifestations have no specific characteristics and can be easily confused with other benign and malignant skin diseases.

Currently, treatment is still difficult because there are no specific treatment guidelines and the recurrence rate after surgery is very high. Early diagnosis is very important because the prognosis for survival after 5 years of surgery is low.

Previously, the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Central Dermatology Hospital received a female patient (74 years old) who came to the clinic with a tumor appearing on the scalp in the occipital region.

According to the patient, the lesion appeared when he was young, with a size equivalent to the tip of a finger. For about 6-7 years, the lesion has rapidly increased in size, changed shape, and ulcerated with fluid. The patient has never had any treatment before.

The patient then underwent a number of tests including histopathological examination to determine the nature of the tumor.

The pathological results combined with immunohistochemical staining were consistent with eccrine porocarcinoma. The patient completed basic tests to assess the extent of tumor invasion before surgery.

The patient underwent extensive surgery and reconstruction of the defect using skin grafting. After surgery, the patient's general condition was stable, and he was discharged from the hospital and followed up monthly.

According to Dr. Tung, apocrine carcinoma is a rare disease, accounting for about 0.05% of skin cancers. Primary eccrine carcinoma accounts for 0.01% of skin cancers. The age range for apocrine carcinoma is 50-70 years old. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific.

Common locations are in the head, face, and neck; Appear solitary, hard, and firm; Size varies (1-5cm); Lesions may have surrounding vasodilation or surface ulcers.

Currently, treatment is still difficult because there are no specific treatment guidelines. According to international studies, surgery is the most recommended treatment method.

However, the recurrence rate of this type of cancer is high, so regular follow-up examinations are needed to detect early signs of recurrence. In addition, early diagnosis is extremely important to limit the extent of tumor invasion.

Health experts recommend that when patients notice small lumps or unusual changes on their skin, they should go to a specialist center for timely diagnosis.

In addition, it is necessary to have a regular lifestyle, supplement with lots of vegetables, vitamins, drink enough water every day to maintain health and resistance for the skin. Exercise regularly with suitable sports.

Limit the use of stimulants such as alcohol, beer, cigarettes, and coffee.

Wear a mask when going out, wear sunscreen and sunglasses when it is hot. Avoid going out in the sun from about 10am to 3pm.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thong-tin-ve-loai-ung-thu-tuyen-mo-hoi-hiem-gap-bieu-hien-rat-de-nham-lan-voi-benh-khac-20240930222846071.htm