Steatocystoma simplex of the caruncle
The Eyelid, Lacrimal and Orbital Clinic, Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Qld, 4029, Australia9xm, http://www.100md.com
2 Sullivan Nicolaides and Partners, 134 Whitmore Street, Taringa, Qld, 4068, Australia9xm, http://www.100md.com
Accepted for publication 24 June 20029xm, http://www.100md.com
Keywords: steatocystoma simplex; caruncle9xm, http://www.100md.com
The caruncle has a non-keratinised epithelial lining similar to the conjunctival epithelium. However, unlike the conjunctiva, the caruncle harbours skin elements such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and accessory lacrimal tissue. Consequently, the caruncle may develop a tumour or cyst similar to one found in the skin, conjunctiva, or lacrimal gland.9xm, http://www.100md.com
Case Report9xm, http://www.100md.com
A 26 year old woman presented with a 2 mm, asymptomatic, pale yellow lesion of the right caruncle, present for 8 months (Fig 1). It was excised intact under local anaesthetic and histological examination revealed a cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium and containing sebaceous glands in its wall (Fig 2). These communicated directly with the cyst lumen. No associated hair follicles were seen. An eosinophilic, crenulated cuticle was present on the inner aspect of the cyst wall in some areas. The patient had no other skin lesions of note. The nails, teeth and hair were normal. There was no family history of similar lesions. At the 6 month follow up there have been no signs of recurrence or development of other cysts.
fig.ommitteedjj4|k, 百拇医药
Figure 1 Clinical appearance of the pale yellow lesion of the right caruncle (arrowed).jj4|k, 百拇医药
fig.ommitteedjj4|k, 百拇医药
Figure 2 Histological examination reveals a cyst, lined by stratified squamous epithelium with an eosinophilic cuticle on the inner aspect (C) and sebaceous glands in the cyst wall communicating directly with the lumen (SG). The diagnosis is steatocystoma. (Original magnification x100, haematoxylin and eosin.)jj4|k, 百拇医药
The diagnosis was of steatocystoma simplex (SS) of the caruncle.jj4|k, 百拇医药
Commentjj4|k, 百拇医药
Steatocystoma simplex, the non-heritable solitary counterpart of steatocystoma multiplex (SM), was first described as a distinct entity by Brownstein in 1982.1 It is a benign adnexal tumour, thought to originate from a naevoid malformation of the pilosebaceous duct junction.2jj4|k, 百拇医药
Lesions are described on the forehead, nose, scalp, neck, axillae, chest, upper limbs, back, legs,1 and even intraorally.3 To our knowledge though, steatocystoma has not previously been reported in the caruncle.4,5
Thirty two cases of SS are reported in the literature, divided evenly between men and women and ranging in age from 15 to 70 years.1,3,6 Clinical and histological features in SS are usually identical to those seen in the individual lesions of SM. Lesions are described as asymptomatic, flesh coloured or yellowish, intracutaneous, well circumscribed, soft, mobile, and non-tender. On incision they are found to contain an oily substance composed of sebum.1'f, 百拇医药
However, it is important to confirm the solitary nature of a steatocystoma. SM can be familial and autosomal dominantly inherited (steatocystoma multiplex congenita).7 Several familial cases have been linked to pachyonichia congenita and ectodermal dysplasia through a mutation in keratin 17.8 It has been associated with hypothyroidism, hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis and hypertrophic lichen planus, ichthyosis, and koilonychia.9 SM may be progressive with inflamed cysts, rupturing, and healing with scars.7
Steatocystoma is histologically characterised by a cystic structure with sebaceous glands within the cyst wall and epithelium that displays an eosinophilic cuticle. It is possible to make a diagnosis of steatocystoma if the characteristic hyaline luminal cuticle is present, even in the absence of sebaceous elements.1kh9v, 百拇医药
The differential diagnosis included sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceous gland adenoma, and lipogranuloma. Clinically they are also characterised by a yellow, nodular appearance.5 Rarely, sebaceous gland carcinoma of the caruncle may occur.5 Along with hidrocystoma and eruptive vellus hair cyst they can usually be excluded histologically. Oncocytomas are asymptomatic, slowly progressive, solid or cystic masses but usually described as reddish blue/tan.4,5kh9v, 百拇医药
Most treatment regimens for steatocystoma reflect the multiplicity and widespread extent of lesions of SM. Oral isotretinoin has been used to reduce associated inflammation. Cryosurgery, carbon dioxide laser, and incision with removal of the cyst wall have been employed.7,10 We felt the best way to manage this solitary lesion arising in the caruncle was by simple excision with removal of the cyst wall intact, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. We were able to confirm the unique nature of this lesion and rule out malignancy.
References+./, http://www.100md.com
Brownstein MH. Steatocystoma simplex; a solitary steatocystoma. Arch Dermatol 1982;118:409–11.+./, http://www.100md.com
Requena L, Sanchez Yus E. Follicular hybrid cysts; an expanded spectrum. Am J Dermatopathol 1991;13:228–33.+./, http://www.100md.com
Olson DB, Mostofi RS, Lagrotteria LB. Steatocystoma simplex in the oral cavity: a previously undescribed condition. Oral Surgery Oral Med Oral Pathol 1988;66:605–7.+./, http://www.100md.com
Luthra CL, Doxanas MT, Green WR. Lesions of the caruncle. A clinicopathological study. Surv Ophthalmol 1978;23:183.+./, http://www.100md.com
Shields CL, Shields JA, White D, et al. Types and frequency of lesions of the caruncle. Am J Ophthalmol 1986;102:7721–8.+./, http://www.100md.com
Nakamura S, Nakayama K, Hoshi K, et al. A case of steatocystoma simplex on the head. J Dermatol 1988;15:347–8.+./, http://www.100md.com
Pamoukian VN, Westreich M. Five generations with steatocystoma multiplex congenita: a treatment regimen. Plastic Reconstruct Surg 1997;99:1142–6.+./, http://www.100md.com
Feinstein A, Friedman J, Schewach-Millet M. Pachyonychia congenita. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988;19:705–11.+./, http://www.100md.com
Sohn D, Chin TCM, Fellner MJ. Multiple keratoacanthomas associated with steatocystoma multiplex and rheumatoid arthritis. Arch Dermatol 1980;116:913–4.+./, http://www.100md.com
Krahenbuhl A, Eichmann A, Pfaltz M. CO2 laser therapy for steatocystoma multiplex. Dermatologica 1991;183:294–6.(J Bowye, T Sullivan and K Whitehead)
2 Sullivan Nicolaides and Partners, 134 Whitmore Street, Taringa, Qld, 4068, Australia9xm, http://www.100md.com
Accepted for publication 24 June 20029xm, http://www.100md.com
Keywords: steatocystoma simplex; caruncle9xm, http://www.100md.com
The caruncle has a non-keratinised epithelial lining similar to the conjunctival epithelium. However, unlike the conjunctiva, the caruncle harbours skin elements such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and accessory lacrimal tissue. Consequently, the caruncle may develop a tumour or cyst similar to one found in the skin, conjunctiva, or lacrimal gland.9xm, http://www.100md.com
Case Report9xm, http://www.100md.com
A 26 year old woman presented with a 2 mm, asymptomatic, pale yellow lesion of the right caruncle, present for 8 months (Fig 1). It was excised intact under local anaesthetic and histological examination revealed a cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium and containing sebaceous glands in its wall (Fig 2). These communicated directly with the cyst lumen. No associated hair follicles were seen. An eosinophilic, crenulated cuticle was present on the inner aspect of the cyst wall in some areas. The patient had no other skin lesions of note. The nails, teeth and hair were normal. There was no family history of similar lesions. At the 6 month follow up there have been no signs of recurrence or development of other cysts.
fig.ommitteedjj4|k, 百拇医药
Figure 1 Clinical appearance of the pale yellow lesion of the right caruncle (arrowed).jj4|k, 百拇医药
fig.ommitteedjj4|k, 百拇医药
Figure 2 Histological examination reveals a cyst, lined by stratified squamous epithelium with an eosinophilic cuticle on the inner aspect (C) and sebaceous glands in the cyst wall communicating directly with the lumen (SG). The diagnosis is steatocystoma. (Original magnification x100, haematoxylin and eosin.)jj4|k, 百拇医药
The diagnosis was of steatocystoma simplex (SS) of the caruncle.jj4|k, 百拇医药
Commentjj4|k, 百拇医药
Steatocystoma simplex, the non-heritable solitary counterpart of steatocystoma multiplex (SM), was first described as a distinct entity by Brownstein in 1982.1 It is a benign adnexal tumour, thought to originate from a naevoid malformation of the pilosebaceous duct junction.2jj4|k, 百拇医药
Lesions are described on the forehead, nose, scalp, neck, axillae, chest, upper limbs, back, legs,1 and even intraorally.3 To our knowledge though, steatocystoma has not previously been reported in the caruncle.4,5
Thirty two cases of SS are reported in the literature, divided evenly between men and women and ranging in age from 15 to 70 years.1,3,6 Clinical and histological features in SS are usually identical to those seen in the individual lesions of SM. Lesions are described as asymptomatic, flesh coloured or yellowish, intracutaneous, well circumscribed, soft, mobile, and non-tender. On incision they are found to contain an oily substance composed of sebum.1'f, 百拇医药
However, it is important to confirm the solitary nature of a steatocystoma. SM can be familial and autosomal dominantly inherited (steatocystoma multiplex congenita).7 Several familial cases have been linked to pachyonichia congenita and ectodermal dysplasia through a mutation in keratin 17.8 It has been associated with hypothyroidism, hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis and hypertrophic lichen planus, ichthyosis, and koilonychia.9 SM may be progressive with inflamed cysts, rupturing, and healing with scars.7
Steatocystoma is histologically characterised by a cystic structure with sebaceous glands within the cyst wall and epithelium that displays an eosinophilic cuticle. It is possible to make a diagnosis of steatocystoma if the characteristic hyaline luminal cuticle is present, even in the absence of sebaceous elements.1kh9v, 百拇医药
The differential diagnosis included sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceous gland adenoma, and lipogranuloma. Clinically they are also characterised by a yellow, nodular appearance.5 Rarely, sebaceous gland carcinoma of the caruncle may occur.5 Along with hidrocystoma and eruptive vellus hair cyst they can usually be excluded histologically. Oncocytomas are asymptomatic, slowly progressive, solid or cystic masses but usually described as reddish blue/tan.4,5kh9v, 百拇医药
Most treatment regimens for steatocystoma reflect the multiplicity and widespread extent of lesions of SM. Oral isotretinoin has been used to reduce associated inflammation. Cryosurgery, carbon dioxide laser, and incision with removal of the cyst wall have been employed.7,10 We felt the best way to manage this solitary lesion arising in the caruncle was by simple excision with removal of the cyst wall intact, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence. We were able to confirm the unique nature of this lesion and rule out malignancy.
References+./, http://www.100md.com
Brownstein MH. Steatocystoma simplex; a solitary steatocystoma. Arch Dermatol 1982;118:409–11.+./, http://www.100md.com
Requena L, Sanchez Yus E. Follicular hybrid cysts; an expanded spectrum. Am J Dermatopathol 1991;13:228–33.+./, http://www.100md.com
Olson DB, Mostofi RS, Lagrotteria LB. Steatocystoma simplex in the oral cavity: a previously undescribed condition. Oral Surgery Oral Med Oral Pathol 1988;66:605–7.+./, http://www.100md.com
Luthra CL, Doxanas MT, Green WR. Lesions of the caruncle. A clinicopathological study. Surv Ophthalmol 1978;23:183.+./, http://www.100md.com
Shields CL, Shields JA, White D, et al. Types and frequency of lesions of the caruncle. Am J Ophthalmol 1986;102:7721–8.+./, http://www.100md.com
Nakamura S, Nakayama K, Hoshi K, et al. A case of steatocystoma simplex on the head. J Dermatol 1988;15:347–8.+./, http://www.100md.com
Pamoukian VN, Westreich M. Five generations with steatocystoma multiplex congenita: a treatment regimen. Plastic Reconstruct Surg 1997;99:1142–6.+./, http://www.100md.com
Feinstein A, Friedman J, Schewach-Millet M. Pachyonychia congenita. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988;19:705–11.+./, http://www.100md.com
Sohn D, Chin TCM, Fellner MJ. Multiple keratoacanthomas associated with steatocystoma multiplex and rheumatoid arthritis. Arch Dermatol 1980;116:913–4.+./, http://www.100md.com
Krahenbuhl A, Eichmann A, Pfaltz M. CO2 laser therapy for steatocystoma multiplex. Dermatologica 1991;183:294–6.(J Bowye, T Sullivan and K Whitehead)