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Reappraisal and literature review of primary cutaneous cribriform apocrine carcinoma

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Abstract

Primary cutaneous cribriform apocrine carcinoma (PCCAC) is an exceedingly rare sweat gland carcinoma. Clinically, it most often presents as a singular, asymptomatic nodule or cyst on the extremities of middle-aged patients and follows an indolent course. Both visceral and cutaneous cribriform tumors exist in nature. While a cribriform pattern is well recognized in tumors of visceral organs, there is a paucity in the literature on the defining characteristics for primary cutaneous tumors. Consensus regarding diagnostic criteria, etiology, and management protocols has yet to be achieved. We conducted an extensive literature review using pre-determined search criteria, resulting in 12 identified case reports and series on PCCAC that were subsequently analyzed. All data were compiled to provide a comprehensive update on the existing information regarding clinical presentation, histopathology, and management of reported PCCACs, as well as differential diagnosis, controversial issues, and recommendations for future considerations.

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Data obtained from public domain resources.

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Abbreviations

ADBCC:

Adenoid cystic basal cell carcinoma

MMS:

Mohs micrographic surgery

PCAC:

Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma

PCACC:

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma

PCCAC:

Primary cutaneous cribriform apocrine carcinoma

PCSC:

Primary cutaneous secretory carcinoma

SCCIS:

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ

SLNB:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Anna Davis

  2. Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Amor Khachemoune

  3. Department of Dermatology, Veterans Health Administration, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11209, USA

    Amor Khachemoune

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  1. Anna Davis
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AK: had the idea for the article. AD: performed the initial literature search, data analysis and drafted the initial draft. AK: revised the work.

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Correspondence to Amor Khachemoune.

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Davis, A., Khachemoune, A. Reappraisal and literature review of primary cutaneous cribriform apocrine carcinoma. Arch Dermatol Res 315, 7–16 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-022-02323-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-022-02323-5

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