Mohs micrographic surgery in the setting of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma: addressing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this case report and literature review was to summarize the current knowledge surrounding this rare cutaneous tumor and promote awareness of the success of Mohs micrographic surgery as a definitive therapeutic modality in a case of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma.

DESIGN

Case report and literature review.

SETTING

Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma has been introduced as a rare type of eccrine carcinoma with only eight previously reported cases in the literature. Despite the tumor's introduction as a type of eccrine carcinoma, the true etiology is currently contentious; the lesion represents a diagnostic challenge, and its malignant potential remains uncertain. Thus, proper histological diagnosis and definitive management are under active discussion.

PARTICIPANTS

Index case patient records review and peer-reviewed literature.

RESULTS

The authors present the ninth reported case of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma and the third report of Mohs micrographic surgery for complete extirpation of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

The anecdotal success of Mohs micrographic surgery as a therapeutic modality in the treatment of three cases of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma (including the case reported herein) suggests that this is an effective yet tissue-sparing surgical modality. However, given the poorly understood natural history of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma and the uncertainty of the lesion's etiological and malignant taxonomy, further experiences with this tumor are necessary and close follow up of patients is suggested.