Definition of Sweat gland tumor

Sweat gland tumor: A benign (harmless) skin tumor called a syringoma that derives from cells related to sweat glands. (These particular specialized cells are scientifically referred to as eccrine.)

The skin lesions of syringomas usually appear during puberty or adult life and consist of small bumps 1-3 millimeters in diameter which form underneath the surface of the skin. The most frequent site is the eyelids and around the eyes, but other areas of the body can also be affected (arm pits, lower abdomen, vulva). There may be only one or a few lesions in a localized area or numerous lesions covering a wide area.

Syringomas more frequently affect women and do have an hereditary basis in some, but not all, cases. They are also associated with the following genetic conditions: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Treatment of syringomas can be a problem due to their number and location on the eyelids and face. One method that seems to be effective and creates minimal scarring is the use of a hair removal electric needle. The needle is inserted into the lesion and short bursts of low voltage electricity destroy the tumor. A technique using a CO2 laser has been reported to be quite promising (Kang WH. Dermatologic Surgery 1998 Dec;24(12):1370-4).

Common Misspellings: sweat gland tumour, sweat gland tumur