National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Eccrine porocarcinoma


Other Names:
Porocarcinoma; Eccrine porocarcinoma of skin; Malignant eccrine poroma
Categories:
Eccrine porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that may occur by chance or may develop from a benign (non-cancerous) skin tumor. They affect the eccrine sweat glands, which are the major sweat glands of the body. Eccrine porocarcinoma usually are found in adults older than 60 and appear as a single red elevated solid mass (nodule) or a thickened or elevated lesion (plaque). They are found anywhere on the body, but occur most commonly on the lower limbs, head, and upper limbs.[1][2] Most people with an eccrine porocarcinoma do not have symptoms; however some individuals may notice bleeding from the tumor or itching.[2] Factors that may increase the risk to develop an eccrine porocarcinoma include family history, suppression of the immune system, and exposure to ultraviolet light or radiation.[3] Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor.[1]
Last updated: 12/13/2016

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.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.

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  1. Abdulwahid M. Saliha, F.H. Kakamadb, Rawand A. Essac, Goran M. Raufd, Masrur S.A, Shvan H.M., Rawezh Q.S., Hunar A.H., Dahat A.H., Snur Othmane. Porocarcinoma: A systematic review of literature with a single case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2017; 30:13-16. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210261216304485.
  2. Kenneth Wong. Eccrine porocarcinoma. DermNet New Zealand. 2008; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/eccrine-porocarcinoma/. Accessed 12/13/2016.
  3. Ferzli, GM., Doyle, AK., Hui, AM., Lindgren, A. Eccrine Carcinoma. Medscape. September 22, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1101796. Accessed 12/13/2016.