Advanced upper eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma with deep orbital extension

Sebaceous gland carcinomas (SGC) are highly malignant lid tumors which originate from meibomian glands and rarely from the gland of Zeis, sebaceous gland of caruncle, eyebrows and periocular skin. In many cases correct diagnosis of SGC is delayed because of its ability to masquerade as a variety of other ocular conditions. A forty year old male presented with a left upper eyelid swelling with an ulcerated wound on its nasal aspect. A differential diagnosis of sebaceous gland carcinoma or preseptal cellulitis was made. Contrast enhanced computed tomography showed an ill defined soft tissue density mass in the left orbit encasing the whole of the optic nerve. A total exentration was performed. A diagnosis of meibomian gland carcinoma was confirmed on histopathology. This is a report of an advanced sebaceous gland carcinoma with deep orbital extension. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may decrease the long term morbidity and extend the survival rate of such patients.