Clinical time course of the neglected giant sebaceous gland carcinoma

In this report, we discussed the progression from the initial presentation until surgical intervention, clinical course, and devastating outcome of a neglected giant sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid in a poorly compliant elderly patient. A 79-year-old woman was referred for treatment of a giant ulcero-nodular lesion in the right upper eyelid. Nine months before, an orange lesion arising from the tarsal conjunctiva in the upper eyelid was observed in her examination undergone in the healthcare center where she initially presented, and the cornea appeared transparent. Surgical excision was recommended, which she declined. The examination three months before in the same center revealed that the lesion invaded the globe and anterior segment architecture could not be visualized. She was then recommended surgical removal of the eyeball, which she also refused. Radiological imaging demonstrated a 33x35 mm mass lesion in the superior lateral of orbit with exophytic growth and invasion of the globe and no systemic metastases were found. Total orbital exenteration surgery was immediately planned and performed. Histopathological examination revealed sebaceous gland carcinoma. Elderly patients with poor compliance should discuss their condition with a psychiatrist and should be managed by a multidisciplinary approach. This way, patients with eyelid malignancies can be encouraged to undergo surgery and receive early treatment, decreasing the need for exenteration, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality.