Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: review of 51 Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) has been reported to occur predominantly in Caucasians. However, the number of cases in Japanese subjects seems to have recently been increasing.

OBJECTIVE: To review the Japanese cases of MAC.

METHODS: We collected and analyzed the data of 51 Japanese patients recorded in case reports or abstracts over a number of years.

RESULTS: Twenty-five of the cases were reported between 1987 and 1996, and the remaining 26 cases between 1997 and 2000. Forty-three lesions were located on the face, 2 on the scalp, 2 on the chest, 1 on the axilla, 1 on the buttock, 1 on the palm and 1 on the toe. One of the above occurred at the site of previous radiotherapy. Fifteen tumors were initially misdiagnosed histopathologically.

CONCLUSION: Our review shows that MAC also occurs in the Japanese, in whom it may be more common than previously observed.