Syringoma is a non-cancerous (benign) bump, usually found on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids of young adults. Syringomas are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands (eccrine glands).
■Syringomas are small papules, or firm bumps, that are about 1 to 3 millimeters wide. The papules usually grow in small groups and are typically:
•yellow
•brown
•pale pink
•skin-toned
In most cases, syringomas are harmless and do not cause symptoms. Rarely, however, some individuals with syringomas experience extreme pain and itchiness, especially when sweating.
■Who gets syringomas?
People between the ages of 25 and 40, especially Caucasian women and those of Japanese heritage, are at the greatest risk of developing the condition.
■Syringomas can be caused by any activity that increases sweat gland productivity, which may lead to tumor growth. In addition, some conditions affect the sweat glands and increase the likelihood to develop syringomas. These include:
•Genetics
•Down syndrome
•Diabetes mellitus
•Marfan’s syndrome
•Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
■Treatment of syringoma:
There are two ways to treat syringoma: medication or surgery.
Medication:
•Local trichloroacetic acid application
•Oral isotretinoin
However, medical treatment isn’t considered to be as effective as surgery.
Surgery:
There are several different surgical approaches to treating syringomas.
Laser removal:
This treatment is preferred by many doctors, because of all the procedures possible, this one has the lowest risk of scarring (Carbon dioxide or Erbium laser).
Electric cauterization:
An electrical charge is passed through an instrument similar to a needle to remove the tumors by burning them.
Electrodessication with curettage:
Electric cauterization with scraping the growths after burning them.
Cryotherapy:
This is more commonly referred to as freezing the tumors. Liquid nitrogen is the most often used chemical for this procedure.
Dermabrasion:
This involves using abrasive substances to rub off the upper layer of your skin, including the tumors.
Manual excision:
Syringomas may also be treated by cutting them out using surgical instruments such as knives, scissors, or scalpels. However, this procedure carries the greatest risk of scarring.