Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: report of seven cases including one with lung metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm, with a high rate of local recurrences.

OBJECTIVE: A series of MAC was analyzed and compared to previously published cases.

METHODS: Seven cases of MAC were identified in the register of the institution. Medical and pathological records were reviewed.

RESULTS: The primary MAC were located on the face in all patients, and 85% were initially misdiagnosed. The mean follow-up duration was 108 months. The recurrence rate was high: 4 patients developed recurrences. In 3 patients, the course of the disease was severe: one of them developed pathologically proven lung metastasis.

CONCLUSION: The present study and review of the literature confirm the clinically aggressive evolution of MAC and its rare ability to give rise to metastasis. Long-term clinical follow-ups with imaging investigations are mandatory.