Giant Chondroid Syringoma of the Axilla

Abstract

Background:

Chondroid syringomas are benign uncommon tumours of controversial histogenesis that most often affect the head and neck region and usually measure > 3 cm in greatest dimension.

Objective:

To describe the clinical features, histology, and differential diagnosis of an unsually large axillary chondroid syringoma.

Methods:

A 64-year-old man presented with a painless, subcutaneous tumour measuring 8 × 7 × 6.5 cm on his right axilla, which had been growing slowly for several years. The tumour was completely excised under local anesthesia. No recurrence of the tumour has been observed 12 months after surgery.

Results:

Histological examination showed cords, nests, and tubuloglandular structures composed of well-differentiated tumour cells embedded in a hyalinized stroma with abundant chondroid matrix, and the diagnosis of chondroid syringoma was established. No features suggesting malignancy were observed.

Conclusion:

As this case shows, chondroid syringoma may reach a large size, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of slowly growing solid nodules in the skin or subcutis.