Recurrent ulcerative tubular apocrine adenoma of the eyelid mimicking eyelid malignancy: A case report and literature review.

Introduction: The eyelid is a common site for cutaneous tumors; however, tubular apocrine adenoma is a rare presentation. The clinical presentation is variable and surgical excision is effective with low risk for recurrence.

Presentation of case: We report a 40-year-old female with recurrent tubular apocrine adenoma of eyelid mimicking eyelid malignancy. Diagnostic incisional biopsy demonstrated dermal benign tubular-like proliferations lined by bilayer of apocrine epithelium within a background of hyalinized stroma.

Discussion: Isolated tubular apocrine adenoma of the eyelid is rare with individual cases being found in the literature. Previously reported recurring apocrine eyelid tumors were involving older patients than our case and the recurrence occurred within 2-3 years.

Conclusion: Our case is unique as the patient was younger and the recurrence occurred after a longer period. Our report provides insight into the clinical features, histopathologic characteristics and treatment of tubular apocrine adenoma of the eyelid.