Hydrocystoma is a benign tumor that develops from sweat glands, most commonly found on the eyelids. It can be referred to as cystadenoma, sweat cyst, or apocrine hydrocystoma, and can be diagnosed through a biopsy. Treatment options include surgical removal, electrosurgical methods, drained growths, carbon dioxide laser vaporization, trichloroacetic acid, and botulinum toxin A injection.
Hydrocystoma is a type of benign tumor believed to develop from sweat glands. It falls into the category of adenomas, as it is of glandular origin. The most common site of occurrence is the eyelids. Because of its perceived lack of overall health risk, some medical researchers do not consider it a cancer at all.
The condition is known by alternative names used to describe it or specify its origin. A hydrocystoma can be referred to as a cystadenoma because it is an adenoma that looks like a cyst. Another term is sweat cyst, as the condition includes a cyst-like growth that originates in the sweat glands. Moll’s gland cyst refers to the specific sweat glands, which are located in the eyelids.
The most commonly used alternative term, however, is apocrine hydrocystoma. This applies to hydrocystoma arising from the apocrine glands. These are specialized glands found in the armpits, the circular area of the breast called the areola, and the genital and anal regions. The term’s popularity can be attributed to the theory that apocrine sweat glands are the root cause of the condition, although this has not yet been proven. Another similar variant is eccrine hydrocystoma, named after the major sweat glands of the human body.
The growths that characterize hydrocystoma usually appear as single or multiple spots with a dome shape and translucent appearance. They can be up to 0.6 inches (1.5 centimeters) large and tend to grow slowly. Once they stop growing, they stay on the skin forever. Although the tumors usually appear on the eyelids, they can appear in the armpits, genital or anal region, neck, head or trunk. The condition occurs mostly in adults.
Hydrocystoma does not show any symptoms. Doctors, however, can diagnose the disease using a biopsy. This is a medical test in which the doctor removes cells and tissue to examine them for any abnormalities.
There are several ways to treat hydrocystoma. Some doctors surgically remove the tumors, perhaps using electrosurgical methods to destroy its wall to stop any chance of a recurrence. Others prefer drained growths.
Other treatment methods vary depending on the type of hydrocystoma. For example, carbon dioxide laser vaporization and trichloroacetic acid are used for multiple apocrine hydrocystoma. Also, some medical researchers have suggested that botulinum toxin A injection can be used for recurring growths.
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