Sebaceous carcinoma of the periorbital and extraorbital regions

Sebaceous carcinomas are uncommon amongst cutaneous malignancies. These lesions can broadly be classified into 2 groups; (i) periorbital, which behave aggressively, and (ii) extraorbital, which are reported to metastasize rarely. A retrospective review has identified 12 cases of primary sebaceous carcinoma treated at Canniesburn Hospital over the decade from mid-1983 to mid-1993. Out of 7 cases with periorbital primary lesions, one patient died from metastatic disease and another developed local recurrence which was successfully excised. The series included an unusual case of metastasizing primary extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma.