Clinicopathological Analysis of Cutaneous Adnexal Tumors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous adnexal tumors (CATs) are uncommon neoplasms of pilosebaceous, eccrine, and apocrine origin, characterized by diverse morphology and diagnostic overlap with other cutaneous lesions. Although most CATs are benign, malignant variants may demonstrate aggressive behavior, underscoring the importance of clinicopathological evaluation.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dermatopathology Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January to December 2024. Biopsy specimens with a clinical suspicion of cutaneous tumors were included. A total of 43 cases of CATs were identified and categorized histologically according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Data on age, sex, anatomical site, and histological subtype were analyzed.

Results: CATs constituted 5% of all cutaneous tumors. Patient ages ranged from 12 to 67 years (mean 40.6 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The majority of cases (55.8%) occurred in the third and fourth decades of life. The head and neck region was the most common site (65.1%), followed by upper extremities (16.3%). Benign tumors accounted for 97.7% of cases, while sebaceous carcinoma represented the only malignant tumor (2.3%). Follicular differentiation was most frequent (48.8%), and pilomatrixoma was the most common tumor type (37.2%).

Conclusion: CATs are rare but clinically relevant, predominantly affecting young to middle-aged adults, with a predilection for the head and neck region. The overwhelming majority are benign, though malignant cases, albeit rare, warrant vigilant diagnosis. Histopathological examination remains indispensable for accurate classification and management.