Abstract

The close approximation of melanocytes with eccrine structures is a common finding in congenital nevi. This relationship was classically described by Mishima in 1973 and was given the moniker of eccrine-centered nevus. Over the past few decades, various reports have further expanded the spectrum of melanocyte-eccrine overlap to include benign, malignant, and reactive processes. While it is likely that some of these reports represent serendipitous collision lesions, the frequency of reports and strong association seen in congenital nevi suggest a biologic connection between melanocytes and cells of eccrine origin. Multiple theories have been proposed to clarify this relationship, but a definitive pathway is yet to be identified. We report two new cases of syringomatous foci within melanocytic nevi and provide a brief overview of similar reports. We hope that increased awareness of the spectrum of melanocyte-eccrine overlap proliferations will help to prevent misdiagnosis and foster further research into this frequently encountered, but inadequately explained phenomenon.