Intraepithelial Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Case Series

Intraepithelial sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare form of sebaceous gland carcinoma, with 10 published case reports to date. The authors report the clinical, histological, and prognostic features of this rare carcinoma.

This is a multicenter retrospective case series of patients from 3 Australian sites. Information collected included patient demographics, clinical risk factors, initial and subsequent presentations, histology results, management, and outcomes.

Twelve cases were identified. The average age of presentation was 72 years (range 52-92 years), with more females (n = 8) affected than males. The most common symptoms and signs were ocular irritation (n = 9) and eyelid mass (n = 8), with a predilection toward upper lid involvement. Five cases of sebaceous gland carcinoma were confirmed on initial histology. Initial management included wide local excision with margin control (n = 11), and primary topical mitomycin C (n = 1). Adjunctive conjunctival mapping biopsy was performed in 5 cases. Recurrence occurred in 7 cases, at an average of 31 months (range 7-83 months) after initial treatment. There were no cases of distant metastasis, however, 2 cases developed local invasion. Management of recurrences included exenteration (n = 2), further excisions alone (n = 3), and excision with adjuvant mitomycin C (n = 2).

Clinicians and pathologists should have a high index of suspicion for primary intraepithelial sebaceous gland carcinoma on the upper eyelid. Close follow-up is recommended, given the high risk of local recurrence.