The efficacy of electrosurgery and excision in treating patients with multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.
BACKGROUND
Apocrine hidrocystomas are adenomatous cystic proliferations of the apocrine glands. They typically occur as solitary lesions, though rarely may occur as multiple lesions. Management of multiple hidrocystomas can be difficult, particularly if they are large. Surgical modalities may be required for effective therapy.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of electrosurgery and excision in treating multiple apocrine hidrocystomas.


METHODS
A 50-year-old man presented with multiple apocrine hidrocystomas ranging in size from 1 to 12 mm. The lesions were located over the periorbital skin, cheeks, and pinnae. Excision and electrodessication were utilized for therapy. At a 1-year follow-up, the patient was evaluated for recurrences and cosmetic result.


RESULTS
There were no recurrences until 1 year after surgery. In the areas treated with electrodessication, no visible scars were identified. In the areas treated with excision, localized scars were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Both electrodessiation and excision are effective therapies for multiple apocrine hidrocystomas. We suggest that tumors less than 1 cm be treated with electrodessication and lesions greater than 1 cm with excision.
Gupta
S
S
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Government Medical College, Chandigarh-160 012, India.
Handa
U
U
Handa
S
S
Mohan
H
H
D006607:Adenoma, Sweat Gland / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001050:Apocrine Glands / Q000473:pathology; D004598:Electrosurgery; D018251:Hidrocystoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*