Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls

Abstract Nodular hidradenoma is a rare eccrine adnexal tumour that can arise in various locations, typically presenting as a solitary, slow-growing, well-circumscribed, firm, and non-tender dermal lesion. It may show discolouration, ulceration, or serous discharge, mimicking metastatic tumours, carc...

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Main Authors: Bhagyashree Bhagyashree, Priyamvada Singhal, Sakshi Goyal, Rituraj Rituraj, Usha Joshi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:Surgical and Experimental Pathology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42047-025-00195-3
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author Bhagyashree Bhagyashree
Priyamvada Singhal
Sakshi Goyal
Rituraj Rituraj
Usha Joshi
author_facet Bhagyashree Bhagyashree
Priyamvada Singhal
Sakshi Goyal
Rituraj Rituraj
Usha Joshi
author_sort Bhagyashree Bhagyashree
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Nodular hidradenoma is a rare eccrine adnexal tumour that can arise in various locations, typically presenting as a solitary, slow-growing, well-circumscribed, firm, and non-tender dermal lesion. It may show discolouration, ulceration, or serous discharge, mimicking metastatic tumours, carcinoma, or sarcoma. Due to its atypical presentation and lack of definitive radiological criteria, histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. While its subcutaneous location makes it suitable for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), this technique is rarely used for small lesions, leading to limited cytomorphological data. FNAC is a cost-effective, quick, and simple tool, particularly useful in complex cases for preoperative diagnosis. Accurate identification is essential to avoid unnecessary radical treatment. This case report highlights the importance of considering nodular hidradenoma as a differential diagnosis when evaluating FNAC samples from nodular lesions in the subcutaneous region, regardless of their size or location.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2520-8454
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series Surgical and Experimental Pathology
spelling doaj-art-108b70bd3d904db39c3e8df6bb8118ce2025-08-20T04:01:56ZengBMCSurgical and Experimental Pathology2520-84542025-07-01811410.1186/s42047-025-00195-3Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfallsBhagyashree Bhagyashree0Priyamvada Singhal1Sakshi Goyal2Rituraj Rituraj3Usha Joshi4Department of Pathology, GMC HaldwaniDepartment of Pathology, GMC HaldwaniDepartment of Pathology, GMC HaldwaniDepartment of Pathology, GMC HaldwaniDepartment of Pathology, GMC HaldwaniAbstract Nodular hidradenoma is a rare eccrine adnexal tumour that can arise in various locations, typically presenting as a solitary, slow-growing, well-circumscribed, firm, and non-tender dermal lesion. It may show discolouration, ulceration, or serous discharge, mimicking metastatic tumours, carcinoma, or sarcoma. Due to its atypical presentation and lack of definitive radiological criteria, histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. While its subcutaneous location makes it suitable for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), this technique is rarely used for small lesions, leading to limited cytomorphological data. FNAC is a cost-effective, quick, and simple tool, particularly useful in complex cases for preoperative diagnosis. Accurate identification is essential to avoid unnecessary radical treatment. This case report highlights the importance of considering nodular hidradenoma as a differential diagnosis when evaluating FNAC samples from nodular lesions in the subcutaneous region, regardless of their size or location.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42047-025-00195-3Adenexal tumoursNodular hidradenomaSarcomaCytomorphologySubcutaneous mass
spellingShingle Bhagyashree Bhagyashree
Priyamvada Singhal
Sakshi Goyal
Rituraj Rituraj
Usha Joshi
Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
Surgical and Experimental Pathology
Adenexal tumours
Nodular hidradenoma
Sarcoma
Cytomorphology
Subcutaneous mass
title Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
title_full Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
title_fullStr Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
title_full_unstemmed Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
title_short Giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh: a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
title_sort giant nodular hidradenoma of the thigh a case report highlighting cytological pitfalls
topic Adenexal tumours
Nodular hidradenoma
Sarcoma
Cytomorphology
Subcutaneous mass
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s42047-025-00195-3
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