Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma: Varied presentations and reconstruction outcome

To analyze varying clinical presentations, histopathological features, and management outcome of sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid.

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 30 patients with histologically proven cases of SGC of eyelid treated at tertiary care hospital.

Patients were in the age group of 28-80 years, among which 18 (60%) were females and 12 (40%) were males. Mean follow-up period was 29.83 ± 8.14 months. Six out of 30 cases were lost to follow-up; hence, only 24 cases were analyzed for reconstruction techniques and management outcome. Initial anatomic sites involved were upper eyelid (10 cases [33.33%]), lower eyelid (5 cases [16.66%]), both upper and lower eyelid (10 cases [33.33%]), and medial canthus (1 case [3.33%]). Orbital extension at presentation was present in 4 cases (13.33%) while metastasis to preauricular lymph nodes was seen in 1 case (3.33%). T2 was the most common category according to TNM staging (14, 58.33%). Reconstruction techniques included direct closure with or without cantholysis in 5 (20.83%), closure with Tenzel's semicircular flap in 2 (8.33%), Cutler Beard repair in 5 (20.83%), and Hughes's flap with either cheek advancement flap or full-thickness skin graft in 3 (12.5%). Both upper eyelid and lower eyelid repair were done in three (12.5%) cases and medial canthal repair in one (4.16%) case. Five (20.83%) cases underwent exenteration. On histopathological examination, 23 (95.83%) patients had localized tumors while only 1 (4.16%) patient had pagetoid invasion. Recurrence was observed in three (12.5%) cases. One (4.16%) case died subsequent to brain metastasis.

SGC of eyelid may have varied presentations, but early diagnosis and consequent surgical therapy has good outcome and higher survival rate.