Authors: Janice Natasha C. Ng, MD, Maricarr Pamela M. Lacuesta, MD, FPDS and Mary Jo Kristine S. Bunagan, MD, FPDS

Abstract

Syringoma is a common benign intraepidermal tumor affecting 0.6% of the general population and is more frequent among women at 75-90%. Lesions appear as multiple, skin colored to slightly yellowish firm papules in a bilateral symmetrical distribution. It is commonly located in the lower eyelids, however the scalp, axillae, abdomen, forehead, penis, and vulva can often be affected. Syringomas located over the forearms are unusual and rarely reported.
We present a case of a 51-year old Filipino female with a six-year history of multiple, asymptomatic macules and papules on the extensors of both forearms. Skin punch biopsy was consistent with syringoma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) further confirming our diagnosis of syringoma.
Eruptive syringoma, a generalized variant, presents as multiple, yellow to brown colored firm papules in a symmetric distribution usually found on the anterior chest, neck, upper abdomen, axillae and periumbilical region. This clinical presentation may be mistaken for other diagnoses such as lichen planus, papular eczema, sarcoidosis, adnexal tumor, eruptive xanthoma, steatocystoma and milia. Syringoma occurring at unusual sites has a wide range of differentials and a definite diagnosis can be established by histopathologic examination.

Citation

Ng, J. Lacuesta, MP & Bunagan, MJ. (2017). Eruptive syringoma presenting clinically as veruca plana in a 51-year-old Filipino female: a case report. Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society, 26(2), 84-85.

Keywords

eruptive syringoma, forearms, immunohistochemistry, carcinoembryonic antigen

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