Dermal cylindroma. Expression of intermediate filaments, epithelial and neuroectodermal antigens.

We report on immunohistochemical staining patterns in so-called apocrine tumors of skin with special emphasis on the dermal cylindroma. The results were compared with apocrine tubular adenoma, syringocystadenoma papilliferum and the normal eccrine sweat gland. A relationship of dermal cylindroma to the apocrine gland is suggested by expression of lysozyme and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. The tumor shares keratin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and EGF-receptor expression with eccrine and apocrine glands. The presence of intermingled cells with a coexpression of keratin and vimentin argues for a partial myoepithelia-like differentiation. Neuroectodermal antigens are missing. Therefore, dermal cylindroma is classified as an adnexal tumor of skin with a variable rate of cells of apocrine secretory, myoepithelial and undifferentiated phenotypes.