HomeAnswersPathologynodular hidradenomaI had a benign tumor removed surgically. Will it come back?

Should I worry about non-malignant nodular hidradenoma?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At December 22, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 24, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with non-malignant nodular hidradenoma of the legs. These were removed chirurgically by a dermatologist with less than 1-millimeter margins. My question is can these come back? Is surgery curative? I read on the internet that it can be cancerous. Do I need surveillance of the scar? Please help. I have had a biopsy in the past and have attached the report for your reference.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

According to your biopsy report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and the surgery, your lesions appear cured and should not recur. However, supervision at regular intervals is advisable for similar lesions at other sites.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

So in your opinion, I do not need any other surgery to get a larger margin since it is only less than 1 mm, right? Am I still at risk of getting new lesions? How likely? Can the new lesions be cancerous? I thought it was rare. Is there anything that I can do to avoid getting them? How likely can I get a cancerous lesion in my lifetime, as I am 43 years old?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Nodular hidradenoma does not usually recur. It is mostly benign. But a new lesion may crop up. A new lesion is not very likely. Being alert and checkup if you suspect a new lesion should be sufficient. If there is a similar new lesion, it would also not be cancerous. I am afraid that you cannot do much to avoid it. There is no point in speculating on the odds of getting another lesion during a lifetime. It is very unlikely.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

I was so worried because some information on the internet says that nodular hidradenoma can become cancerous, and some say it can recur again. It also said that it would need a margin of 1 cm. Unfortunately, my surgery only had half millimeters margin. I heard hidradenoma is rare. I just wanted to know if the surgery was done well.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your report says that your tumor is a nodular hidradenoma without signs of malignancy. It means complete excision of the tumor is sufficient. Even 0.5 mm excision of the margin is good. Malignant hidradenomas require 0.39 inch of excision of the margin if they are not benign. So I think you are safe.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashish Vilas Jawarkar
Dr. Ashish Vilas Jawarkar

Pathology

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