Plaque-type syringoma of the ear and scalp: Case report

Abstract Introduction Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors derived from eccrine sweat glands that typically present as small, skin-colored dome-shaped papules. They are commonly found in women and typically affect the periorbital area but can also occur in other areas of the face and body. The plaque type is a rare type of syringoma, and only 14 cases have been reported to date with syringomas of the scalp and ear being even rarer. Case presentation We report the case of a 36-year-old Kenyan male who was referred to our dermatopathology department for biopsy and histopathological evaluation, and presented with a plaque lesion on the right temporal aspect of the scalp. Microscopic examination revealed a tumor arising from eccrine coils, forming cysts and coma-shaped ducts. The tumor extended deep into the reticular dermis, with extensive fibrosis surrounding the lesion, confirming the diagnosis of plaque-type syringoma. Conclusion Plaque-type syringoma is uncommon, and its presentation as discrete flat plaques on the scalp is even rarer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plaque-type syringoma presenting as flat, dusky, discrete plaques on the scalp and ears. Therefore, clinicians should consider the differential diagnosis of plaque-type syringoma to avoid unnecessary exposure of patients to surgical procedures. Because the lesion is benign, careful observation and monitoring may be a reasonable management strategy in many cases. Treatment decisions are usually based on the patient's symptoms, lesion characteristics, and aesthetic concerns.