Abstract Introduction: Adnexal tumors, including sebaceous adenoma, pilomatrixoma, and syringoma, are tumors arising from the folliculosebaceous units or associated sweat glands. They can mimic malignancies such as basal and sebaceous cell carcinoma and signal genetic syndromes like Muir–Torre syndrome. They can cause cosmetic and functional issues, with risk of malignant transformation. This study examines their clinical and pathological features to enhance diagnosis. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective review of 47 patients diagnosed with adnexal tumors at MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology and Translational Research (2007–2022) analyzed data on age, sex, tumor location, and clinical-pathological correlations. Results: Among 47 cases, the mean age was 57 years, and 53% ( n = 25) were female. Syringoma (40%, n = 19), sebaceous adenoma (15%, n = 7), and pilomatrixoma (13%, n = 6) were the most common diagnoses, with 77% ( n = 36) not clinically identified. Tumor locations included the eyelid (81%, n = 38), upper eyelid (21%, n = 10), lower eyelid (55%, n = 26), unspecified (4%, n = 2), medial canthus (9%, n = 4), and eyebrow (4%, n = 2). Conclusion: Accurate clinicopathological correlation is key, as adnexal tumors may mimic malignancy or signal genetic syndromes despite being mostly benign. Comprehensive assessment improves outcomes by avoiding overtreatment and addressing cosmetic or functional concerns, as highlighted by the high misdiagnosis rate.
Santos et al. (Wed,) studied this question.