Apocrine hidrocystomas, also known as sudoriferous cysts or Moll gland cysts, present as translucent or semitransparent, round, skin-colored or bluish masses containing a watery fluid. They most commonly occur along the eyelid margin, but may less commonly occur in the axillae or on the areolae, external ear, periumbilical or anogenital region, and rarely on the scalp and chest. They may be solitary or, less frequently, multiple. The cause is unknown, but they are thought to be due to blockage of the gland. They typically occur in patients over 60 years of age. Both sexes are equally affected.

The lesions are benign and usually asymptomatic. When multiple lesions are present, they may occur in association with Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome, an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by multiple eyelid apocrine hidrocystomas, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, hypodontia, and hypotrichosis.

Related topic: Eccrine hidrocystoma