Sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelids in Hawaii

Sebaceous gland carcinomas of the eyelids are rare neoplasms accounting for less than 1% of all eyelid tumors. They usually mimic chalazia and undergo repeated curettage before a definitive diagnosis is made. Although they are relatively slow-growing tumors, they behave in an aggressive manner, frequently metastasizing to regional lymph nodes. Approximately 50% of the patients who develop metastasis to lymph nodes of the neck will survive five years. A case report and the review of similar cases in Hawaii in the past 10 years demonstrates the need for early detection and treatment of sebaceous adenocarcinoma of the eyelids.