Eccrine porocarcinoma

Eccrine porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that may occur by chance or may develop from a benign (non-cancerous) skin tumor. They affect the eccrine sweat glands, which are the major sweat glands of the body. Eccrine porocarcinoma usually are found in adults older than 60 and appear as a single red elevated solid mass (nodule) or a thickened or elevated lesion (plaque). They are found anywhere on the body, but occur most commonly on the lower limbs, head, and upper limbs. Most people with an eccrine porocarcinoma do not have symptoms; however some individuals may notice bleeding from the tumor or itching. Factors that may increase the risk to develop an eccrine porocarcinoma include family history, suppression of the immune system, and exposure to ultraviolet light or radiation. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor.