Chondroid syringoma of the lower back simulating lipoma: A case report

BACKGROUND: Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a rare tumor of the apocrine or eccrine glands. CS of the lower back is rare, and its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lipoma, which is a common misdiagnosis for this disease. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass on the lower back. The lesions increased progressively over time. The patient denied any history. Dermatological examination showed that there was a subcutaneous mass, ranging from 3-4 cm in diameter, with a clear boundary on the lower back. The surface of the skin was smooth without ulceration or scaling. Histopathologic examination was consistent with the diagnosis of CS. CONCLUSION: CS is a rare tumor of the apocrine or eccrine glands. It usually presents as a wellcircumscribed and single subcutaneous masses. Histopathology showed the tumor was located in the dermis, with nests, sheets, and cords of basal-like cells, mucin deposition, and chondroid structures. We herein report a case of CS located in the lower back. CS of the lower back is rare, and its clinical manifestations are similar to those of lipoma, for which it is commonly misdiagnosed.