Dermoscopic–Histopathological Correlation of Eccrine Poroma: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Eccrine poroma (EP) is a benign adnexal neoplasm that can be pigmented in 17% of cases. Four histopathological variants of EP exist. Dermoscopically, EP can mimic many other skin neoplasms. Objectives: To provide a dermoscopic–histopathological correlation of EP, classifying the clinical and dermoscopic features of EPs on the basis of their histopathological subtype, in an attempt to better characterize these entities. Patients and Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data were collected; patients were classified on the basis of the 4 histopathological variants of EPs. Dermoscopic images were reviewed. A dermoscopic–histopathological correlation was performed, and the results were compared with literature data. Results: Twenty-six lesions were included, both pigmented and nonpigmented. Three of the 4 histopathological variants were identified. Different dermoscopic features were observed for each distinct histopathological subtype of EP. The lesions mimicked different types of other skin neoplasms, in particular: nonpigmented hidroacanthoma simplex resembled nonmelanoma skin cancer; pigmented hidroacanthoma simplex appeared like a seborrheic keratosis or a solar lentigo; EPs sensu stricto presented as pink nodules if nonpigmented and were similar to seborrheic keratosis if pigmented; dermal duct tumors appeared as pigmented nodular lesions. Conclusions: Distinct dermoscopic features appeared to be recurrent in each histopathological variant. Dermoscopy can provide important clues for the diagnosis of EP; the final diagnosis is allowed by histopathology. To achieve a correct diagnosis of EP, because of its clinical and dermoscopic variability, surgical excision is recommended.