title: Challenges in the diagnosis of cutaneous adnexal tumours.
abstract: The diagnosis of cutaneous adnexal neoplasms, a heterogeneous group of entities, is often perceived by practising pathologists as challenging. A systematic approach to diagnosis is necessary for classification of these lesions, which establishes the tumour differentiation (follicular, sebaceous, sweat gland or apocrine) and evaluates histological features differentiating between benign and malignant entities. Consideration of clinical history is a necessary adjunct in evaluation of the adnexal neoplasm, as characteristic anatomical sites are described for many adnexal lesions. In some instances, immunohistochemical studies may also be employed to aid the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis between primary cutaneous adnexal neoplasms and cutaneous metastases from visceral tumours may also be difficult. Clinical, radiological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics will be further discussed, considering that the correct diagnosis has a significant impact on the patient's management and prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Danialan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Kudakwashe
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mutyambizi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Phyu
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aung
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Dermatology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Victor G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA Department of Dermatology, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Doina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ivan
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D018294:Neoplasms, Adnexal and Skin Appendage / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: CELL BIOLOGY; DERMATOPATHOLOGY; SKIN