De novo malignant eccrine spiradenoma with an interesting and unusual location.

BACKGROUND

Reports in the literature reveal that malignant eccrine spiradenomas (MES) are exceedingly rare, and represent aggressive tumors arising in long-standing benign eccrine spiradenomas (ES).

OBJECTIVE

We present a de novo case of MES of the nose, in contrast to reports in the literature of progression from long-standing benign lesions.

METHODS

Case report and brief review of the literature.

RESULTS

Our case was accepted as de novo MES because there was no evidence of ES on pathologic examination. It was treated by surgical excision with 1 cm tumor-free margins. No recurrence or complications were observed for 2 months, but long-term follow-up could not be performed because the patient died of adenocarcinoma of the colon.

CONCLUSION

Although previously reported lesions have arisen in long-standing benign ESs, usually on the trunk or extremities, this report shows that MES may occur as a primary malignant tumor and may occur in unusual locations such as the nose.