Apocrine mixed tumor of the eyelid: a case report

BACKGROUND Apocrine mixed tumor is usually found in parotid glands. Its cutaneous counterpart is rare and its occurrence in the eyelids is even rarer. CASE PRESENTATION This study reports an apocrine mixed tumor of the upper left eyelid in a 68 year-old lady with a history of breast cancer. This mass appeared about 3 years ago, as a slowly growing small nodule, and was completely excised. On microscopic examination, an encapsulated mass with epithelial and mesenchymal features was seen. The epithelial component presented tubular, cystic and infundibular structures while the mesenchymal component was fibrous in some areas and myxoid in others. Plasmacytoid hyaline cells, lipomatous change and focal calcification were appreciated focally. Immunohistochemical studies showed stromal staining for CD10, S-100, α-SMA and p63. Luminal cell layer of the epithelial component was positive for EMA, CK-7 and GCDFP-15 markers. The capsule was unbreached and no satellite lesions were appreciated. No evidence of relapse was evident after 16 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of eyelid tumors of adnexal origin can be challenging because they are rare and display a wide range of morphological patterns, as the tumor cells might differentiate along any line of the folliculosebaceous-apocrine system. Immunohistochemistry helps improve the accuracy of assessment.