Hidradenoma

by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
April 21, 2022

What is a hidradenoma?

Hidradenoma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin.

Where are hidradenomas found?

Hidradenoma can be found anywhere on the body although it is more common on the trunk and extremities.

What causes a hidraenoma?

Most hidradenomas are caused by a genetic change called a fusion involving the genes CRTC1 and MAML2. However, at present, we do not know why this genetic change occurs.

How do pathologists make the diagnosis of hidradenoma?

The diagnosis is usually made after the entire tumour has been removed in a procedure called an excision. The diagnosis can also be made after only a small part of the tumour is removed in a procedure called a biopsy.

What is a margin?

A margin is any tissue that was cut by the surgeon in order to remove the tumour from your body. A negative margin means there were no tumour cells at the edge of the tissue. A margin is considered positive when there are tumour cells at the edge of the tissue. A positive margin is associated with a higher risk that the tumour will grow back (recur) in the same site after treatment.