Syringoma - External and Internal Eye
See also in: Overview,AnogenitalAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:D23.9 – Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
302828001 – Syringoma of skin
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Basal cell carcinoma – Pearly papule with telangiectasia and erosions on a background of sun-damaged skin.
- Milia – Small, white cystic papules filled with keratin.
- Xanthelasma – Favor upper eyelids; white to yellow plaques.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia – Yellow umbilicated papule with crown vessels.
- Steatocystoma multiplex – White to yellow smooth papules and nodules.
- Flat warts – Characteristically flat-topped papules.
- Trichoepitheliomas – Favor alar creases; flesh-colored, rubbery papules.
- Trichilemmomas – Common on the lips; may be verrucous.
- Sarcoidosis – Infiltrative papules and plaques that can be seen around the nares. The micropapular variant may resemble syringomas.
- Microcystic adnexal carcinoma – Should be considered if a solitary syringoma-like lesion appears on the lip.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:10/21/2019
Last Updated:10/21/2019
Last Updated:10/21/2019
Patient Information for Syringoma - External and Internal Eye
Overview
Syringoma is a non-cancerous (benign) bump, usually found on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids of young adults. Syringomas are completely harmless and are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands (eccrine glands).Who’s At Risk
Syringomas can appear at any age, though they usually occur after puberty. Syringomas can develop in people of any race and of either sex, though females are more commonly affected.Syringomas sometimes run in families. Up to 18% of people with Down syndrome have syringomas. People with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have a type known as clear cell syringomas.
A less common condition, eruptive syringomas, is more commonly seen in people with darker skin.
Signs & Symptoms
The most common locations for syringomas include:- Upper cheeks
- Lower eyelids
- Armpits
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Forehead
- Genitalia (penis or vulva)
Eruptive syringomas appear as multiple lesions that all develop at the same time, usually on the chest and abdomen.
Syringomas do not itch or cause pain.
Self-Care Guidelines
Any new skin growth should be examined by your doctor in order to obtain a correct diagnosis.When to Seek Medical Care
See a dermatologist or another physician if any new growth develops on your skin.Treatments
If the diagnosis of syringoma is suspected, the doctor may want to perform a skin biopsy.The procedure involves:
- Numbing the skin with an injectable anesthetic.
- Sampling a small piece of skin by using a flexible razor blade, a scalpel, or a tiny cookie cutter (called a "punch biopsy"). If a punch biopsy is taken, a stitch (suture) or two may be placed and will need to be removed 6-14 days later.
- Having the skin sample examined under the microscope by a specially trained physician (dermatopathologist).
Though there is a risk of scarring, destruction of syringomas is fairly simple and may include:
- Burning (cauterization) with an electric needle
- Cutting out (excision) with a scalpel, scissors, or flexible razor blade
- Carbon dioxide laser treatment
- Procedure to rub out the lesion (dermabrasion)
- Freezing (cryosurgery) with liquid nitrogen
References
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1745-1746. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.1823. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Syringoma - External and Internal Eye
See also in: Overview,Anogenital