The origin of the adnexal tumors of the skin: a viewpoint.

Histogenesis of adnexal tumors of the skin has not been the subject of an independent study or a publication since the theory of pluripotentiality of epithelial matrix cells was introduced and applied to the origin of adenxal tumors some 25 years ago. In this period, a number of new tumor entities have been described. Histologic studies as well as enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy and, lately, the results Of the application of monoclonal antibodies have provided a wealth of new information. In this article a review of the histogenesis of adnexal tumors is made and, based on clinical and histologic data provided, an alternative view for origin of adnexal tumors of the skin is proposed.