Hidrocytoma is a skin disease. Benign tissue develops at the exits of the sweat glands in humans. In particular, the facial area is affected.
What is a hidrocytoma?
Behind a hidrocytoma is a retention cyst that forms primarily on the face. This is a cyst whose formation develops from the occlusion of a gland. In hidrocytoma, cystic papules form at the exits of sweat glands. The cysts are mostly transparent to slightly bluish in color and easily visible to the naked eye. Primarily, the hidrocytomas develop in the area of the cheeks or nose. It is a disease of the skin in which new tissue is formed. This neoplasia is a benign neoplasm. The tissue comes from the family of adenomas. These form from the mucous membrane or glandular tissue. Depending on the affected sweat gland, doctors distinguish between eccrine and apocrine hidrocytoma. Even though this distinction has been refuted due to new scientific results, it is still maintained today for historical reasons. The eccrine hidrocytoma is also called sweat gland retention cyst. In the case of the apocrine hidrocytoma, physicians speak of the apocrine cystadenoma. Results of immunohistological studies indicate that eccrine hidrocytomas are capable of producing apocrine antigens. These are messenger substances that can bind specific antibodies and certain receptors. For this reason, the distinction between eccrine and apocrine hidrocytoma is no longer necessary.
Causes
An exact cause of hidrocytomas is not known. Multiple occurrence of hidrocytomas may occur in Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome. This is a genetic disorder in which cyst formation occurs in the facial region. The cause of the syndrome has not been adequately researched due to its low incidence. So far, scientists assume that it is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. However, dominant inheritance cannot be ruled out. For hidrocytomas, this may mean that it is also a genetic disease. The process in the body, on the other hand, can be very well documented and described by medical experts. Due to the closure of the sweat gland, the secretion slowly accumulates in the gland. In this way, a fluid-filled cyst develops with a spherical appearance. Researchers continue to study the functional activity of the sweat glands. The goal is to be able to offer precise explanations for the cause of hidrocytomas. So far, physicians assume that genetic reasons as well as a strong sweat production are responsible for the closure of the glands.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Symptoms of hidrodcytomas include transparent to bluish colored cyst formations on the face. The bluish color is caused by a scattering effect of light. This is called the Tyndall effect and means that there is no blue color in the cysts at all. Hidrocytomas are completely painless for the patient. This is true even if they occur in multiple numbers. The cysts are usually the size of a pinhead. The hidrocytomas usually occur on the eyelid, cheeks and both sides of the nose. However, other areas on the body may also be affected. Due to gravity, hidrocytomas can cause the eyelid to fold over when they occur on the lower eyelid. If they occur on the upper eyelid, this can also lead to a drooping eyelid due to gravity. However, there are no other impairments to the eye. Vision is not impaired. Therefore, the cysts are generally unpleasant for the patient for cosmetic reasons due to their bluish color. Provided that there are no other diseases, affected persons have no further complaints apart from the cosmetic background.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Diagnosis is made after visual contact by a physician or dermatologist. Spontaneous healing cannot be assumed. However, it may occur. This means that it cannot be assumed that the cysts will regress on their own. As a rule, without treatment, a steady increase in the number of hidrocytomas is to be expected.
Complications
Hidrocytoma primarily affects the regions of the face, resulting in decreased aesthetics in many patients.This can lead to inferiority complexes or lowered self-esteem. In most cases, sufferers are ashamed of the symptoms and feel excluded from social life. Cysts form on the face that are blue in color. As a rule, these cysts are not associated with pain. Severe discomfort occurs when the cysts form directly on the eyes or on the eyelids, in which case the eyelids automatically fold over, extremely reducing the patient’s vision. In most cases, however, there are no further complaints, so that only cosmic surgery is necessary. The cysts can be easily removed without complications. Surgical procedures or lasers are used for this purpose. After removal, scars may form, but there are no further complaints. The life expectancy of the patient is not affected by the hidrocytoma. However, there is usually no guarantee that the hidrocytoma will not recur in the patient.
When should you see a doctor?
Conspicuous changes in the appearance of the skin on the face should always be examined by a doctor. Behind it can hide diseases that require treatment. If the complaints spread or increase in intensity, a visit to the doctor should be made at the latest. If lumps form, swelling or ulcers appear on the face, the observations should be presented to a doctor. If there are changes in sweating, there is cause for concern. If the changes persist for several weeks or months, a medical examination is needed. If cysts or papules form on the face, they should be clarified by a physician. If there is discoloration of the skin or changes in appearance, a medical examination is strongly advised. Changes in the eyelid or impaired vision must be examined and clarified. If itching or open sores on the face occur, there is an increased risk of further illness. Since in severe cases sepsis is imminent, a doctor should be consulted at an early stage. Independent cosmetic treatment is not advisable in the case of a hidrocytoma. Complications or undesirable scarring may occur. It is recommended to avoid make-up and other cosmetics until a doctor is consulted. If pain sets in or facial muscle impairment occurs, a physician should be consulted.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of hidrocytomas is usually for cosmetic rather than health reasons. In addition, the cysts are made in places that are functionally disturbing, such as the eyelids. In most cases, hidrocytomas are removed via excision, laser treatment, or marsupialization. Excision is a simple surgical procedure with local anesthesia. This is used only in very few cases and for particularly large cysts. In the case of treatment with a laser beam, the hidrocytomas are absorbed by the healthy tissue due to the emitted radiation of the laser. This is a thermal destruction of the cysts. Depending on the number of hidrocytomas, this may require several sessions. Marsupialization is a special surgical technique often used for cysts the size of a pinhead. Through an incision, the cyst is carefully opened with an incision and the fluid that has accumulated inside drains out. This is usually done with a small stabbing tool. Natural drainage occurs as a result of the puncture in the wall of the cyst. This is a therapeutic drainage of the body fluid.
Outlook and prognosis
If no complications occur, the prognosis of hidrocytoma is generally favorable. The skin lesions are less a physical disease than a cosmetic blemish. Therefore, if no further symptoms occur, treatment is not necessary from a medical point of view in a large number of those affected. If the cysts change, other diseases develop as a result of the mutation. These may have a less favorable prognosis. Therefore, regular monitoring of the hidrocytoma is advisable for maintaining a good prognosis. If the visual blemish of the cyst causes emotional distress, treatment is recommended. The visual changes can be cosmetically removed in various ways at the request of the affected person.The methods used are routinely applied, but are associated with the usual risks and side effects. In most cases, the patient experiences permanent freedom from symptoms without further sequelae. If the hidrocytoma has caused a psychological sequelae, this must be included in the overall prognosis. If a therapy is taken up, there are good healing prospects. The healing process usually takes several months or years. Without therapeutic support, there is a risk that the mental suffering will become chronic. In addition, further life events or physical changes can intensify existing disorders and lead to a deterioration of health.
Prevention
Performing preventive measures that promise a permanent solution is currently unknown for hidrocytomas. Regular cosmetic treatments can be performed.
Aftercare
In most cases of hidrocytoma, the patient has very few options for follow-up care. The patient is primarily dependent on treatment by a physician for this disease, otherwise further complications or further worsening of symptoms may occur. Therefore, the affected person should seek medical attention at the first symptoms or signs of this disease to prevent further complications. Whether the hidrocytoma will lead to a reduced life expectancy of the affected person cannot be universally predicted. In most cases, however, the symptoms can be treated by a very minor intervention. No particular complications occur. After the procedure, the patient should take it easy and rest. The affected area should be well protected to prevent infection or inflammation. The patient should also take antibiotics, which should not be taken together with alcohol. After the procedure, regular examinations by a physician are still necessary in order to possibly detect and remove another hidrocytoma at an early stage. Further measures of a follow-up are not necessary for this disease.
What you can do yourself
Hidrocytoma usually does not require medical treatment. However, since hidrocytoma mainly affects the regions of the face, the skin disease is perceived as an aesthetic blemish by those affected. Before psychological complaints develop from it, a therapist should be consulted. Particularly in the case of chronic complaints, it is important to accept the conspicuous skin areas and not to let them restrict one’s life. Individuals who nevertheless suffer psychologically from the cysts should seek treatment. Cysts that appear in functionally disturbing areas must also be medically clarified and, if necessary, surgically removed. The most important accompanying measure is the use of prescribed medication and care products. In the first few days after the operation, the affected area must not be touched or otherwise irritated, as this can trigger infections and, in the worst case, lead to permanent scarring of the skin. In order for the wounds to heal well, patients should take it easy and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Accompanying regular control examinations with the responsible physician are indicated. If complications arise, the doctor’s office must be visited immediately.
