A Case Report of Chondroid Syringoma of Philtrum

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Chondroid syringoma is a rare mixed tumor of the skin that was first described by Hirsch and Helwig (1961). Characteristically, it is composed of the proliferation of epithelial cells in a myxoid and chondroid matrix. Most lesions occur on the head and neck region, and their size may range from 0.5~3 cm. Since a chondroid syringoma presents similar characteristics to other masses on the head and neck region, it is significantly important to distinguish with other masses by a surgical biopsy. METHODS: A 51-year old woman presented with a painless nodular mass (0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm) on the philtrum, which appeared during the previous year. The mass was treated with a laser without a surgical biopsy. However, the size of the mass showed no changes. Surgical excision under local anesthesia was performed and sent for histopathology. RESULTS: Gross examination showed a mass surrounded by a well developed capsule within the dermal layer. After complete excision without injury to the orbicularis oris muscle, the wound was covered with a local flap. The histology examination revealed numerous cuboid epithelial cells with tuboalveolar structures and keratinous cysts within a chondroid stroma. No recurrence or metastasis was observed at the follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Chondroid syringoma is a rare mass on the face. An accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal treatment. This paper reports a case of a chondroid syringoma on the philtrum with a brief review of the relevant literature.