Syringoma
Last reviewed by Dr.Mary on August 7th, 2018.
What is Syringoma?
This is a benign (non-cancerous) bump which is normally found on the upper and lower eyelids, forehead, and the upper checks of young adults. They can also develop on the genitals, chest and breasts. They are most common in women. These bumps are harmless and are normally caused by cells of overgrowth from sweat glands or eccine glands and are commonly referred to as sweat gland tumors.
Syringomas may develop at any age, although normally they occur after puberty. Syringomas may develop in individuals of any race and of any gender but as already mentioned females are most commonly affected.
This condition often runs in families as there is believed to be a genetic component. Also approximately 18% of individuals with Down syndrome have syringomas. Also individuals who has the problem of diabetes mellitus are likely to have a form of this condition known as “clear cell syringomas”. Another form of this condition, known as eruptive syringomas is very commonly seen in individuals who have skin which is darker.
Syringoma is a skin colored or yellowish, form round bump, 1 to 3 mm in diameter.
Syringoma Causes
Causes of syringoma include:
- It can develop because of hereditary in some cases but not all
- Related to Down syndrome in some cases
- Eruptive syringomas occurs most in African Americans and Asians than in any other individuals
- Some syringomas can be related to diabetes mellitus
- Caused by sweat glands which are too productive
- Related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Related to Marfan’s syndrome
Syringoma Removal
Speak to your primary care physician or dermatologist about removing syringomas surgically. If the diagnosis of syringoma is unsure, the physician may want to do a skin biopsy. The procedure involves:
- Numbing the skin with injectable anesthetic
- Sampling a small piece of skin
- Having the skin sample examined by a physician specially trained in using a microscope to examine skin samples.
Options for removal of syringomas include:
- Electric cauterization – burning off via heat
- Carbon dioxide laser surgery
- Freezing – with liquid nitrogen or other subzero substance
- Cutting out or an excision with scissors, scalpel, or flexible razor blade
- Procedure to rub off the lesion – dermabrasion
You should be conscious that any surgical measures for syringoma removal may leave scars. You should speak to your physician about the negative aspects of any surgical elimination as the answer could be poorer than the problem.
You should verify with your health insurance provider prior to setting up any cosmetic surgery. Most insurance groups categorize these sorts of procedures as elective surgery, implying that there are no health hazards being created by syringomas and no health advantages to removing them. Therefore the insurance providers will not pay for the surgery. The methods of removal could be very expensive depending on the method of removal and the extent of syringoma.
Syringoma Treatment
Syringoma can be prevented by taking better care of the skin. Using an astringent for instance witch hazel or a daily cleanser to keep pores clean as well as rejuvenate the skin. Always use sun blocks as well as other suntan lotions during any extended experience outdoors as the medical data suggests that sunburn worsens syringoma as well as ever-increasing the prospects of developing the bumps.
It is also advised to avoid pulling, cutting or squeezing any bumps by oneself.
Although surgical methods are probably the most effective way to treat syringomas, there are also topical treatments which are available. One of these treatments is Nevexen which is an all-natural topical used for treating not just syringomas but also moles, skin tags, genital warts, as well as skin tags. It should be noted that all information concerning Nevexen comes from the website of the product so there is no guarantee as to its effectiveness.