Chondroid syringoma, or mixed tumor of the skin, is a rare benign tumor of the sweat glands. The term mixed tumor refers to the presence of epithelial and mesenchymal elements derived from either eccrine or apocrine glandular tissue.

Chondroid syringomas present as small (0.5-3 cm), painless, slow-growing masses in the head and neck region. They are typically solitary dermal or subcutaneous nodules found in middle-aged men, although cases of multiple tumors, larger tumors, and tumors in various locations, across ages, and in both sexes have been reported.

Malignant transformation of mixed tumors of the skin is very rare. Malignant forms tend to grow rapidly and occur more commonly on the lower extremities of younger females. Metastasis to regional lymph nodes, bone, and visceral organs may occur.

Chondroid syringomas are rare, representing less than 0.1% of cutaneous tumors. Given their low rate of incidence and nonspecific clinical presentation, they are rarely a preoperative diagnosis of skin tumors. Definitive diagnosis requires total excision and histopathologic examination.