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Microcystic adnexal carcinoma


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Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare tumor of the skin that most often develops in the head and neck region, particularly in the middle of the face, though it may occur in the skin of other parts of the body as well.[1][2] The average age of diagnosis is 56.[3] This tumor is often first noticed as a bump or yellowish spot in the skin.  Though microcystic adnexal carcinomas frequently grow into and disturb nearby tissues and is therefore considered an invasive cancer, this type of tumor rarely spreads to more distant parts of the body (metastasizes).[1] The main treatment for microcystic adnexal carcinoma is Mohs micrographic surgery, which is thought to improve the chances that all of the tumor cells are removed during surgery.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 5/1/2016
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma appears as a smooth bump or patch that is slightly raised from the surrounding skin.  It may be flesh-colored or yellowish, and it increases in size over time.  A microcystic adnexal carcinoma may grow into nerves nearby, which can cause discomfort, numbness, tingling (paresthesia), burning, or itching.[1]
Last updated: 7/18/2012
The underlying cause of this condition is not fully known. Risk factors appear to include radiation treatment, ultraviolet exposure, immunosuppression, and possibly genetics.[2][4][5]
Last updated: 5/2/2016
Unfortunately, because microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare cancer, there is currently not enough information to determine if radiation therapy is an effective treatment for this disease.  There are no guidelines for the use of radiation therapy as treatment for microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and little is known about the dose of radiation that might be needed to be effective.[6]  Two articles studying a total of 17 patients receiving radiation therapy for microcystic adnexal carcinoma have suggested that there may be a benefit of radiation therapy for decreasing the chances of the tumor regrowing (recurrence),[6][7] and the authors suggest that this treatment could be considered if there is evidence that cancer cells remain after surgery, or in situations where additional surgery cannot be done.[7]  However, another article raises concerns about the use of radiation therapy considering the small number of patients studied, the report of one patient's disease potentially worsening after radiation therapy, and the belief that exposure to radiation may be a risk factor for the initial development of this tumor.[1]
Last updated: 11/8/2011

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Microcystic adnexal carcinoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • Is microcystic adnexal carcinoma hereditary? See answer

  • What are the symptoms of microcystic adnexal carcinoma? See answer

  • I have already had extensive surgery to remove a microcystic adnexal carcinoma from my forehead and eyelid.  Is radiation therapy recommended for this type of cancer? See answer


  1. Wetter R, Goldstein GD. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008; 21:452-458. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19076623.
  2. Lountzis NI. Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma. Medscape Reference. September 24, 2014; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1101894-overview.
  3. Snow S, Madjar DD, Hardy S, Bentz M, Lucarelli MJ, Bechard R, Aughenbaugh W, McFadden T, Sharata H, Dudley C, Landeck A. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: report of 13 cases and review of the literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2001; 27:401-408. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11298716.
  4. Abbate M, Zeitouni NC, Seyler M, Hicks W, Loree T, Cheney RT. Clinical course, risk factors, and treatment of microcystic adnexal carcinoma: a short series report. Dermatol Surg. 2003 Oct; 29(10):1035-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12974700.
  5. Maloney ME. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma. UpToDate. February 5, 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/microcystic-adnexal-carcinoma.
  6. Baxi S, Deb S, Weedon D, Baumann K, Poulsen M. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the skin: the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology. 2010; 54:477-482. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20958947. Accessed 11/4/2011.
  7. Pugh TJ, Lee NY, Pacheco T, Raben D. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the face treated with radiation therapy: A case report and review of the literature. Head & Neck. 2011; March:Epub ahead of print. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21384456. Accessed 11/4/2011.