Mucinous (adenocystic) carcinoma of sweat glands with widespread metastasis. Case report with ultrastructural study.

An unusual case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the sweat glands originating from the right axilla is described. Despite complete control of the primary tumor after local excision, diffuse metastatic lesions continued to appear in the scalp, face, upper and lower extremities, sacral and pelvic bones, and left posterior iliac bone marrow space. The tumors were radioresistant. Multiple trials of various chemotherapeutic regimens, including alkylating agents, antifolates, antipyrimidines, vinca alkaloids, and antineoplastic antibiotics, were ineffective. The cutaneous neoplasms were grossly round, smooth, red, glistening, and cystic and were filled with a gelatinous mucinous material. Microscopic and ultrastructural findings are described.