Hidrocystoma
Basics
Description
- Hidrocystomas, also known as cystadenomas or sudoriferous cysts, are rare, benign cystic growths of sweat glands (1).
- Typically present as solitary nodules, but multiple hidrocystomas do occur
- Most commonly found on the face, predominantly the eyelid (glands of Moll); may also occur on forehead or cheeks; occasionally found on scalp, ears, chest, shoulders, axillae, external genitalia, and feet
- Can be of apocrine or eccrine in origin. The term “ductal hidrocystoma” is a neutral diagnostic term in reference to both kinds (1).
- Eccrine hidrocystomas are further subdivided into “Robinson-type” (multiple eccrine hidrocystomas) or “Smith-type” (solitary eccrine hidrocystomas) (1).
- Can differentiate apocrine from eccrine hidrocystoma both clinically and histopathologically (2)
Epidemiology
Incidence
- Eccrine and apocrine hidrocystomas affect adults between 30 and 70 years of age; apocrine hidrocystomas can occur in childhood and adolescence (1).
- Solitary eccrine hidrocystomas are equally prevalent among males and females.
- Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas affect females more than males (1).
Prevalence
Prevalence is unknown. However, hidrocystomas account for ~1/1,000 submitted cutaneous biopsies (2).
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Obstruction of the apocrine or eccrine sweat gland following an inflammatory process, trauma, or portal closure (3):
- Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas may be caused or worsened by hot and humid environments, worsening in summer months and improving in cooler weather.
- Etiology of single eccrine hidrocystomas, or single or multiple hidrocystomas, is unknown.
Genetics
- Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge, an inherited autosomal recessive condition, is characterized by multiple apocrine eyelid hidrocystomas along with ectodermal dysplasia, causing palmar hyperkeratosis, hypodontia, and hypotrichosis (1).
- Goltz-Gorlin (Jessner-Cole syndrome), a sporadic or X-linked dominant syndrome most often occurring in females, is characterized by microcephaly; midfacial hypoplasia; malformed ears; microphthalmia; periocular multiple hidrocystomas; papillomas of the lip, tongue, anus, and axilla; skeletal abnormalities; and mental retardation (1).
Risk Factors
Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas may be caused or worsened by exposure to hot, humid environments.
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Associated with Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome and Goltz-Gorlin syndrome (rare)
- Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas have been associated with Graves disease (rare).
- Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas have been associated with Parkinson disease (rare).
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Citation
Domino, Frank J., et al., editors. "Hidrocystoma." 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 33rd ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2025. Medicine Central, im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816212/all/Hidrocystoma.
Hidrocystoma. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, et al, eds. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816212/all/Hidrocystoma. Accessed November 3, 2024.
Hidrocystoma. (2025). In Domino, F. J., Baldor, R. A., Golding, J., & Stephens, M. B. (Eds.), 5-Minute Clinical Consult (33rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816212/all/Hidrocystoma
Hidrocystoma [Internet]. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, Stephens MBM, editors. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. [cited 2024 November 03]. Available from: https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816212/all/Hidrocystoma.
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T1 - Hidrocystoma
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