Ciliary Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Eyelid Arising in Hidrocystoma: Case Report and Review of Previously Reported Cases

Am J Dermatopathol. 2022 Aug 1;44(8):e88-e93. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000002218. Epub 2022 May 30.

Abstract

Moll gland is a modified tubular-shaped apocrine sweat gland, which is located on the margin of the eyelid. Moll glands are also known as ciliary glands. The function of these glands was not well known for a long time. However, based on the different studies, it was proved that Moll glands are active from birth and have local immunologic function producing immunoglobulin A. We present a case of Moll adenocarcinoma, a type of apocrine carcinoma, arising from the right upper eyelid of a 57-year-old man. Although Moll gland cysts are frequently seen, this type of adnexal malignancy is extremely uncommon. These tumors can have variable presentation and behavior from less invasive forms to highly malignant metastatic recurrent lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma* / surgery
  • Apocrine Glands / pathology
  • Eyelid Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Eyelid Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Eyelids
  • Hidrocystoma* / pathology
  • Hidrocystoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Sweat Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Sweat Gland Neoplasms* / surgery