Understanding Adnexal Carcinomas: A Guide for Patients

Adnexal carcinomas (AC) are rare skin cancers that begin in the adnexal structures of the skin, such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. They most often appear as small, white or pink bumps on the face or neck. While AC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can invade nearby nerves and tissue. Risk factors include older age, prolonged sun exposure, prior radiation, and immune suppression. Diagnosis is confirmed by a dermatologist, often after a biopsy. Treatment is surgical—most commonly wide local excision (WLE) or Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS)—to ensure complete removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Because AC often affects sun-exposed areas, prevention through sun protection and regular skin checks is especially important.

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