Sebaceous cell carcinomas of the ocular adnexa

Sebaceous hyperplasia of the eyelid: A comprehensive case report and literature review

Introduction

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia of the eyelids, known as adenomatoid or pseudoadenomatous hyperplasia, is a rare benign condition. Optimal management strategies for this specific type of eyelid tumor require further investigation.

Case presentation

The patient presented with a 21-year history of a progressively enlarged mass in the right lower eyelid. Previous treatments, including laser photocoagulation and surgical excision, have failed to prevent recurrence. The mass, characterized by a firm texture and low mobility, has raised concerns regarding malignancy. However, histopathological examination following surgical excision identified the mass as sebaceous gland hyperplasia. The patient's medical history was notable for benign gastrointestinal and intestinal polyps with no evidence of malignancy.

Conclusions

A final diagnosis of eyelid sebaceous gland hyperplasia was established after surgical excision and comprehensive histopathological analyses. The patient's successful recovery without recurrence over a three-month follow-up period post-surgery highlights the efficacy of the surgical approach and the use of intraoperative frozen section pathological examination.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid

Eyelid squamous cell carcinoma is a major type of rare eyelid cancer, together with basal cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma. It is a painless disease that progresses slowly and is often detected by the appearance of nodules or plaques. Risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet light, fair skin, radiation and human papillomavirus infection. The standard treatment is surgical removal, and in cases of orbital invasion, orbital content removal is required. If sentinel node biopsy reveals a high risk of lymph node metastasis, adjuvant radiotherapy may be considered. Local chemotherapy, such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, may be used for eyelid squamous cell carcinoma in situ. When surgery or radiotherapy is not recommended for distant metastases or locally advanced disease, drug therapy is often according to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Japan. The treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team to ensure the preservation of function and cosmetic appearance.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid: Proposed Nomenclature for Multifocal and Multicentric Disease

PURPOSE

To review clinical presentations of periocular sebaceous carcinoma (SC) and introduce standardized nomenclature for multicentric and multifocal disease presentation.

METHODS

A comprehensive PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify all articles reporting periocular multicentric or multifocal SC presentations. The authors also highlight an additional case of SC presenting with 2 clinically distinct tumor foci and complete secondary invasion of the lacrimal gland.

RESULTS

This review summarizes clinical presentations of periocular SC exhibiting discrete foci of microinvasion reported in the literature. Discrete microinvasion was associated with high rates of misdiagnosis (80%), simultaneous involvement of both upper and lower eyelids (80%), pagetoid spread (80%), multinodular growth (33%), local tumor spread (60%), previous eyelid manipulation (40%), and local recurrence (40%). Eyelid multifocality with clinically discrete nodules (42%) was associated with more advanced disease including orbital extension and regional invasion (80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite previous reported associations with poorer outcomes, there is no consensus in the definition or nomenclature for discrete microinvasive or clinical disease presentations in periocular SC. The authors recommend defining multicentric disease as discrete foci of microinvasive tumor with basement membrane disruption and multifocal disease as discrete clinically evident nodules involving both the upper and lower eyelids. Differentiating between discrete microinvasive (multicentric) and clinically nodular (multifocal) disease may improve risk stratification to most accurately identify patients who require more aggressive management and surveillance.

Integrated Whole-Exome and Transcriptome Sequencing Indicated Dysregulation of Cholesterol Metabolism in Eyelid Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma

Purpose

To identify the molecular background of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinomas (SCs), we conducted the integrated whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing for eyelid SCs in this study.

Methods

The genetic alterations were studied by whole-exome sequencing, and the messenger RNA expression was studied using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) in five paired fresh eyelid SC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Integrated analysis of exome and transcriptomic information was conducted for filtering candidate driver genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of filtered candidate genes was analyzed by STRING. The protein expression was verified by immunohistochemistry in 29 eyelid SCs and 17 compared normal sebaceous gland tissues.

Results

The average numbers of pathogenic somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and indels in eyelid SCs were 75 and 28, respectively. Tumor protein p53 (TP53), zinc finger protein 750 (ZNF750), filaggrin 2 (FLG2), valosin-containing protein (VCP), and zinc finger protein 717 (ZNF717) were recurrent mutated genes. A mean of 844 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated, and 1401 DEGs were downregulated in SC samples. The intersection of DEG-based pathways and mutation-based pathways was mainly involved in microbial infection and inflammation, immunodeficiency, cancer, lipid metabolism, and the other pathways. The intersection of DEGs and mutated genes consisted of 55 genes, of which 15 genes formed a PPI network with 4 clusters. The PPI cluster composed of scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A) was involved in cholesterol metabolism. The expression of SCARB1 protein was found to be increased, whereas that of PPARG protein was decreased in eyelid SCs compared to that in the normal sebaceous glands.

Conclusions

Increased SCARB1 and decreased PPARG indicated that dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism might be involved in carcinogenesis of eyelid SCs.

Translational Relevance

The malfunction in cholesterol metabolism might advance our knowledge of the carcinogenesis of eyelid SCs.

Epidemiological characteristics of malignant eyelid tumors at a referral hospital in Japan

PURPOSE

To clarify the incidence and demographic characteristics of malignant eyelid tumors diagnosed in a single institute in Japan.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series METHODS: Patients with malignant eyelid tumors diagnosed histopathologically at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence and demographic profile of malignant eyelid tumors were analyzed. The number of benign eyelid tumors diagnosed histopathologically during the same period was also counted.

RESULTS

A total of 412 patients with histopathologically proven malignant eyelid tumors were included. The most common malignant eyelid tumor was sebaceous carcinoma (n = 180, 44%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (n = 148, 36%), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 35, 9%), lymphoma (n = 28, 7%), Merkel cell carcinoma (n = 11, 3%) and others (n = 10, 2%). Mean age of all patients with malignant eyelid tumor at the time of diagnosis was 71.0 ± 13.0 years. For sebaceous carcinoma, the proportion of female patients was significantly higher than that of male patients (P = 0.0283) and the proportion of involvement of upper eyelid was significantly higher than that of lower eyelid (P = 0.0001). On the other hand, there was no sex predominance in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The proportion of involvement of lower eyelid was significantly higher than of upper eyelid in basal cell carcinoma (P = 0.001) and squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.0012). There were 1433 patients with benign eyelid tumors accounting for 78% of all eyelid tumors during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Sebaceous carcinoma is the major malignant eyelid tumor in Japan and is more frequent in women than in men. Epidemiology of malignant eyelid tumors may be affected by the trend of population age structure associated with the recent population aging.

Rare Cutaneous Malignancies in Skin of Color

BACKGROUND

There is a scarcity of information regarding the clinical characteristics of rare cutaneous malignancies in skin of color that has yet to be comprehensively explored.

OBJECTIVE

To review and compile the racial differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, histology, treatments, and outcomes of 3 rare skin cancers: dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and sebaceous carcinoma (SC).

METHODS

Several searches with keywords denoting specific skin cancer type and race were conducted on PubMed to complete this narrative review.

RESULTS

We analyzed 50 sources that were relevant to the initial objective.

CONCLUSION

The literature demonstrates that there are nuances in DFSP, MCC, and SC unique to African Americans, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics that may differ significantly from Caucasian counterparts. African Americans consistently suffer from the worst clinical outcomes in all 3 rare cutaneous malignancies reviewed. Greater physician awareness and knowledge of the discussed racial differences is the preliminary step to address these disparities.

Sebaceous Carcinoma Masquerading As Orbital Cellulitis

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered cutaneous malignancy. Often considered a great masquerader, sebaceous cell carcinoma arises from meibomian glands and can have a poor prognosis if not diagnosed early. In this case report, we present a patient with sebaceous cell carcinoma who presented to our emergency department with a clinical presentation that was concerning for orbital cellulitis. The patient was initially started on intravenous antibiotics. However, workup, including imaging and laboratory results, pointed toward malignancy as the diagnosis. The patient underwent an incisional biopsy and pathology confirming the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma. We engaged in further discussion of this peculiar cutaneous masquerader, differential diagnoses, and important considerations.

Diffuse pattern, orbital invasion, perineural invasion and Ki-67 are associated with nodal metastasis in patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma

Background

Metastasis dominates the prognosis of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma (SC). This study aimed to explore risk factors for nodal metastasis and develop a nomogram to predict nodal metastasis in patients with eyelid SC.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was performed, comprising 320 patients with eyelid SC. Cox analyses were employed to investigate predictors of metastasis-free survival (MFS), and a nomogram was established and validated by the bootstrap method.

Results

Forty patients (12.5%) developed nodal metastasis during a median follow-up of 48.0 months, and the median period between the initial treatment and first nodal metastasis was 18.5 months (range 6.0–80.0 months). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year nodal metastasis rates were 5.5%, 12.5% and 15.4%, respectively. Diffuse pattern (HR: 4.34, 95% CI 1.75 to 10.76, p=0.002), orbital invasion at presentation (HR: 3.22, 95% CI 1.42 to 7.33, p=0.005), perineural invasion (HR: 3.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.49, p=0.032) and high Ki-67 percentage (HR: 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for nodal metastasis. A nomogram that integrated these four factors had a C-index of 0.785, demonstrating a strong power in predicting nodal metastasis of eyelid SC.

Conclusions

We identified risk factors for nodal metastasis and developed a nomogram to provide individualised estimates of nodal metastasis for eyelid SC patients and guide postoperative management. This nomogram contained clinicopathological factors besides the T category of the TNM staging system and suggesting great clinical value.

Targeted Sequencing Revealed Distinct Mutational Profiles of Ocular and Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinomas

The biological behavior of sebaceous carcinoma (SeC) is relatively indolent; however, local invasion or distant metastasis is sometimes reported. Nevertheless, a lack of understanding of the genetic background of SeC makes it difficult to apply effective systemic therapy. This study was designed to investigate major genetic alterations in SeCs in Korean patients. A total of 29 samples, including 20 ocular SeCs (SeC-Os) and 9 extraocular SeCs (SeC-EOs), were examined. Targeted next-generation sequencing tests including 171 cancer-related genes were performed. TP53 and PIK3CA genes were frequently mutated in both SeC-Os and SeC-EOs with slight predominance in SeC-Os, whereas the NOTCH1 gene was more commonly mutated in SeC-EOs. In clinical correlation, mutations in RUNX1 and ATM were associated with development of distant metastases, and alterations in MSH6 and BRCA1 were associated with inferior progression-free survival (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed distinct genetic alterations between SeC-Os and SeC-EOs and some important prognostic molecular markers. Mutations in potentially actionable genes, including EGFR, ERBB2, and mismatch repair genes, were noted, suggesting consideration of a clinical trial in intractable cases.

Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma: Influence of Age at Presentation on Outcomes

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between age at presentation and outcomes of patients with periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of 241 patients.

RESULTS

Of 241 cases, 29 (12%) were young adults (≤40 years), 122 (51%) were middle-aged adults (41-60 years), and 90 (37%) were older adults (>60 years). Based on the eighth edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer, most tumors belonged to T1 category (n = 78, 32%) on presentation. Wide excisional biopsy was the most common treatment modality (n = 183, 79%). There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical presentation, treatment approaches, and histopathology features amongst different age groups, except pagetoid spread which was higher in middle-aged adults (61%, p = 0.004). The incidence of tumor recurrence was higher in older age group compared to younger age groups, with 5-year, 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimate at 31%, 31% in young adults, 38%, 38% in middle-aged adults, and 45%, 100% in older adults (p = 0.03), respectively. The 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimate rate of locoregional lymph node metastasis, systemic metastasis, and death was higher in young adults (51%, 48%, and 48%, respectively) compared to middle-aged (30%, 17%, and 12%, respectively) and older adults (24%, 25%, and 27%, respectively), but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in the clinical presentation of periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma based on age. However, the tumor recurrence rate is much higher in the older age group and death higher in younger patients despite the same treatment strategies in all age groups.

Epidemiological Profile and Clinical Stage at Presentation of Eyelid Malignancies in a Multi-Ethnic Country

ABSTRACT

Eyelid malignancies are frequently seen in clinical practice. There is a lack of studies that have assessed the features of these lesions in mixed population countries. The epidemiologic profile, clinical stage at presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with eyelid malignancies were assessed, in order to better understand the features of these lesions in a multi-ethnic country. The medical records of patients who underwent eyelid tumor excision in a tertiary service in Brazil, from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. It was recorded for each patient: age, gender, time of onset, location, diagnosis, management, and follow-up. The medical records of 298 patients who presented with eyelid tumors were evaluated and 67 (22.4%) were malignant. The mean age of patients with malignancies was 52.93 years and 50% were male. Basal cell carcinoma was the most prevalent (61.2%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (29.9%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (3%). The average time it took from appearance to surgical treatment was 3 years; the lower eyelid was the most affected for both basal cell carcinoma and SCC; 70% of SCCs were locally invasive at presentation and metastasis occurred in 15%. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common eyelid malignancy observed, however, its frequency was lower when compared to other western countries. The advanced stage at presentation may reflect the lack of education of the population to seek early care, and the lack of specialized tertiary centers in remote areas, resulting in delayed diagnosis.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid: 21-year experience in a Nordic country

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, management, and prognosis of sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the eyelids and periocular region in a Nordic country.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Helsinki University Hospital databases during the 21-year period 1998-2018. Age, sex, location, clinical and histopathologic diagnosis, treatment and outcome were registered.

RESULTS

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) was diagnosed in 32 patients. The incidence was 0.6 per million. Median age at the time of histopathologic diagnosis was 74 years, and 72% of patients were women. Diagnostic delay was often long, median 12 months. The most common cause for delay was misdiagnosis (72%): a chalazion in 34% and a benign tumour in 22%. The most common location was the upper eyelid (53%) and tumour type a solitary nodule (94%). The SC was not correctly diagnosed in 12 (40%) of 30 preoperative biopsies. The treatment for 31 (97%) patients was complete surgical removal with reconstruction. Conjunctival intraepithelial growth was found in 50%. The leading postoperative problem was ocular irritation (30%). During a median follow-up of 58 months, two patients (6%) experienced a local recurrence and one patient died from metastatic SC.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated incidence of SC in Finland was somewhat higher than in other Western countries. The diagnosis was often markedly delayed. Especially differentiation from chalazion continues to be essential. To improve outcomes, it is essential to inform the pathologist about the possibility of SC in eyelid biopsies and specimens and ideally submit them to an ophthalmic pathology service.

Orbital exenteration: A 20-year experience from a tertiary center in Taiwan

PURPOSE

To describe the prognostic factors and survival outcomes in patients who underwent orbital exenteration surgery at a tertiary center over a 20-year period.

METHODS

This institutional retrospective study reviewed all patients who underwent orbital exenteration between January 1999 and January 2019 at Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital. Patient demographics, tumor site, histopathology, status of surgical margins, additional resection, local recurrence, metastases, survival, and treatment data were recorded. Log-rank tests were used to verify the difference in survival curves among various potential prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (27 with malignancy, 1 with hybrid neurofibroma/schwannoma, and 2 with mucormycosis) were included. Malignant melanoma (n = 11) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (n = 8) were the most common indications for exenteration. Survival rates were 83% at 1 year, 42% at 3 years, and 33% at 5 years. Among patients with malignancies, 71% patients had clear margins after exenteration. All the incidences of local recurrence developed in the first 2 years postoperatively. Postoperative survival was significantly related to lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.018), but was independent from surgical margins, presence of metastasis, local recurrence, or perineural invasion.

CONCLUSION

We found worse prognosis with positive lymphovascular invasion. Although not significant, malignant melanoma showed poorer survival times compared to sebaceous gland carcinoma. Close follow-up, especially in the first 2 years after orbital exenteration, is crucial to identify disease recurrence.

Clinical features and prognosis of sebaceous carcinoma arising in the eyelid or conjunctiva

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of Japanese patients with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid or conjunctiva.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-five patients with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid or conjunctiva diagnosed at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between 1994 and 2017 were reviewed. The outcomes of the 116 patients who were treated and followed for at least 24 months at our hospital were investigated.

RESULTS

The patients reviewed comprised 52 men and 74 women. The average age at diagnosis was 70.6 ± 13.8 (range 31-96) years. The main lesion was located in the upper eyelid in 51% of the patients; in the lower eyelid in 38% of the patients; and in other regions in 11% of the patients. Treatments included surgical resection with or without eyelid reconstruction in 108 cases (93%), orbital exenteration in 5 cases (4%), and radiation therapy in 3 cases (3%). Local recurrence was detected in 11 cases (9%). Metastasis to the regional lymph nodes was confirmed in 10 cases (9%). Four patients (3%) died because of direct intracranial invasion of the tumor. Risk of local recurrence and metastasis was significantly related to larger tumor size.

CONCLUSION

Proper diagnosis and treatment at the optimal timing is critical to improve the outcome of sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid or conjunctiva. Long-term follow-up is required because local recurrence and metastasis may occur several years after treatment.

Evaluation of PD-L1 and PD-1 expression in aggressive eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma and its clinical significance

Purpose:

Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is an aggressive but rare malignancy of ocular region. Over-expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 has been demonstrated in a variety of solid tumors including conjunctival melanoma. PD-L1 is an immunoinhibitory molecule that suppresses the effective T cells response against tumor antigen leading to the progression of tumors. Inhibitors of the interaction of PD-L1 and PD-1 are associated with good clinical response various carcinomas. The prognostic value of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in SGC remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate expressions of PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 in SGC and correlate its expression with clinicopathological features and patients survival.

Methods:

The immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 was evaluated in 30 SGC cases.

Results:

PD-L1 immunopositivity was detected in 41.9% of the SGC cases. PD-1 expression in tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) was observed in 53.3% samples. Tumor PD-L1 positivity, PD-1 expression in TILs and tumor size (>10 mm) was associated with reduced disease-free survival. On multivariate analysis only tumor size (>10 mm) and a combined positivity of PD-L1 in tumor cells and PD-1 in TILs with an odds ratio of 5.212 (95% confidence interval 1.449-18.737) continued to be significantly associated with SGC recurrence.

Conclusion:

PD-L1 is overexpressed in 50% of SGC cases. The combined tumor PD-L1 positivity and TILs showing PD-1 expression within the same SGC patient's samples predict high-risk SGC, suggesting that the up-regulation of PD-L1 in tumor cells and PD-1 positivity within the same SGC patient may aggravate tumor recurrence.

Epidemiology of cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma

There has been uncertainty about the demographics and anatomical distribution of cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma. This study aims to investigate these uncertainties by analysing data from various countries. Data were obtained from cancer registries of the United States, England, Norway and Taiwan, and incidence rates were calculated with uniform age-adjustment. sebaceous carcinoma was more commonly reported in males than females in white populations, whereas the inverse was true in Taiwan. Ocular sebaceous carcinoma was more commonly reported in females than males in all populations, despite male predominance in white populations. The majority (approx. 70-90%) occurred on head and neck in Asians and whites. Age-adjusted incidence rate (to the 2000-2025 WHO World Standard Population) ranged from 0.07 to 0.18 per 100 000 person-years and was not higher in Taiwanese than in white populations.

Nationwide Trends in the Incidence and Survival of Eyelid Skin Cancers in Korea

PURPOSE

This study provides a population-based report on eyelid skin cancer epidemiology showing trends in its incidence and survival in South Korea.

METHODS

For this population-based epidemiological study, nationwide cancer incidence data were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry, covering the entire population. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) and annual per cent changes (APCs) were calculated according to sex, histological types, stage, and date of diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs) were estimated for patients diagnosed between 1993 and 2016.

RESULTS

The ASR increased from 0.27 per 100,000 population in 1999 to 0.61 in 2016, with an APC of 4.94%. The most common histopathological type was basal cell carcinoma (BCC), accounting for 67.5% of all eyelid skin cancers during 1999-2016, followed by sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC, 10.7%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 10.6%). The number of localised cancer diagnoses tended to increase, compared to that of distant cancer. The 5-year RSR was nearly 100% when considering all eyelid skin cancers together. When considering them separately, the 5-year RSR of BCC was nearly 100% throughout, whereas for SGC and SCC, it gradually increased from 94.2% and 87.7% (1993-1995), respectively, to nearly 100% (2011-2016) for both. Melanoma had the lowest survival, although its survival has increased markedly since 1993.

CONCLUSIONS

Nationwide data used in this study showed an increase in incidence and survival rates of eyelid skin cancers in Korea. BCC was the most predominant type, and its proportion among all eyelid skin cancer cases has increased.

High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for a bulky sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid: A case report

High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-ISBT) achieved excellent local control of the bulky sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid. However, we must pay attention to dose of eyelid and cornea about late toxicity of HDR-ISBT.

Impact of clinicopathologic factors on survival in patients with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid - a population-based analysis

Purpose: To evaluate prognostic factors and survival of patients with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid through a population-based analysis. Methods: A total of 940 patients with primary sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database in the United States from 1973 to 2013. Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis and Cox Regression multivariate analysis were performed to examine prognostic factors in overall survival (OS). 5- and 10-year survival rates, median survival, and prognostic variables with statistical significance were measured. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that OS is 66% and 44% at 5 years and 10 years respectively. Median OS is 9.4 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that independent prognostic factors for OS are age at diagnosis (HR = 4.61 [95% CI 1.93-11.0], P = 0.001), surgical treatment (HR = 0.196 [95% CI 0.07-0.55], P = 0.002), combined surgical and radiation treatment (HR = 0.227 [95% CI 0.06-0.81], P = 0.023), and greater tumor size at diagnosis (HR = 3.381, [95% CI 1.77-6.45], P < 0.001). Conclusion: We report the largest population study to date to evaluate prognostic factors of patients with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid. Multivariate analysis shows that older age, and greater tumor size correlate with decreased overall survival, whereas surgical treatment or combined surgical and radiation treatment correlate with increased overall survival. Interestingly, tumor grade, lymph node involvement, and distant extent of tumor have not demonstrated to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Predictors Affecting Survival Outcome of Eyelid Malignancy

The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics and evaluate the prognostic factors in eyelid malignancies. This was a retrospective, comparative, case series of 70 patients with eyelid malignancies. The mean age at diagnosis was 72.0 years (range 30.5-93.0 years) with 64.3% female. The 2 most common histologic types were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) followed by sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC). In total, 47.1% of the malignancies were located in the lower eyelid and the majority of tumor (T) category was T1. The authors assessed the disease-specific survival rates of 64 surgical patients using Kaplan Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the predictors associated with disease-specific survival. Of the 64 surgical patients, 4 had regional nodal metastasis (2 SGC, 1 squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], and 1 adenocarcinoma) and distant metastasis at diagnosis was in 3 patients (2 SGC and 1 malignant melanoma [MM]). Six patients died of disease during follow-up. The 5-year disease-specific survival in BCC, SCC, and SGC were 100%, 100%, and 64.8%, respectively. The predictive factors affecting worse disease-specific survival on multivariate models were T4 category (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 14.15, P = 0.022) and tumor recurrence (aHR 6.84, P = 0.045). In conclusion, BCC was the most common eyelid malignancy in southern Thailand followed by SGC. In this study, T4 category and tumor recurrence were the most important prognostic factors in eyelid malignancies.

Mohs micrographic surgery for eyelid sebaceous carcinoma: A multicenter cohort of 360 patients

BACKGROUND

The decision to perform Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) or wide local excision (WLE) for eyelid sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare local recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality of patients with eyelid SC who were initially treated with MMS versus with WLE.

METHODS

A multicenter cohort study. Medical records were reviewed for factors associated with recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality. All eligible patients were followed up. The impact of initial surgical modality on the prognoses were determined by Cox analyses after control for all confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 360 patients included in this cohort, 115 (31.9%) underwent MMS as primary resection, whereas 245 (68.1%) underwent WLE. After a median follow-up period of 60.0 months, local recurrence was observed in 18 patients (15.7%) in the MMS group and 97 patients (39.6%) in the WLE group. Metastasis occurred in 9 patients (7.8%) who underwent MMS and 38 (15.5%) who underwent WLE. In all, 6 patients in the MMS group (5.2%) and 21 in the WLE group (8.6%) died of metastatic SC. Multivariable Cox regression indicated that compared with the WLE group, the MMS group exhibited more favorable local recurrence control (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.73; P = .002) but a comparable metastasis rate (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.60-3.18; P = .453) and comparable tumor-related mortality (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.59-4.93; P = .329). However, this beneficial effect became nonremarkable for patients with pagetoid intraepithelial neoplasia (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.37-8.21; P = .488).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSION

MMS should be proposed for eyelid SC without orbital involvement to achieve recurrence control; however, this surgical procedure did not change the long-term outcomes in terms of metastasis or tumor-related mortality. Patients with pagetoid intraepithelial neoplasia may require adjuvant measures.

Contemporary update of overall prognosis and nomogram to predict individualized survival for Chinese patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma

Background

The prognosis of Chinese patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma (SC) has not been updated for >3 decades. The prognostic predictors are multifactorial, and there is no validated prognostic model for eyelid SC.

Methods

This study included 238 consecutive patients with eyelid SC. All eligible patients were followed up for metastasis and mortality. The predictors of tumor-related survival were explored by Cox analyses. A prognostic nomogram was developed and validated using bootstrap resampling. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were compared between the nomogram and the Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system.

Findings

After a median follow-up period of 55.5 months, 27 (11.3%) patients died of metastatic SC, with a median survival time of 48.0 months. The 5-year and 10-year tumor-related survival rates were 88.1% and 77.9%, respectively. Orbital involvement (HR: 3.11, p = .022), the greatest tumor basal diameter (HR: 1.06, p = .003), the presence of pagetoid spread (HR: 2.90, p = .017), and having lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis (HR: 13.66, p < .001) were independent risk factors for tumor-related death. A nomogram integrating these 4 factors was developed with a C-index of 0.887, which is significantly better than that of the TNM staging system (p = .002). The risk groups stratified by nomogram scores (p < .001 (low vs intermediate risk); p = .001 (intermediate vs high risk)) displayed better discrimination ability than TNM staging (T1 vs T2: p = .358; T2 vs T3: p = .171; T3 vs T4: p < .001) in patients at an early stage.

Interpretation

The prognosis of Chinese patients with eyelid SC has improved over the last 3 decades, and it is comparable to that of patients from other countries. This nomogram provides more accurate individualized estimates of survival for eyelid SC patients and may guide clinicians in their therapeutic decisions.

Malignant Eyelid Tumors in India: A Study of 536 Asian Indian Patients

Purpose

To study the proportion of eyelid malignant tumors in an Asian Indian population and to review their clinical features and outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 536 patients.

Results

The mean age at presentation with eyelid malignancy was 58 years. Histopathology-proven diagnoses of these patients included sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) (n = 285, 53%), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (n = 128, 24%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 99, 18%), and miscellaneous tumors (n = 24, 4%). The statistically significant differences between eyelid malignant tumors included age at presentation, tumor location, and tumor extent. The clinicopathological correlation of SGC, BCC, SCC, and miscellaneous tumors was 91, 86, 46, and 38% (p = 0.001), respectively. Comparing SGC with BCC, SCC, and miscellaneous tumors, SGC was more commonly associated with tumor recurrence (21 vs. 3, 8, and 13%; p = 0.001), systemic metastasis (13 vs. 0, 4, and 13%; p = 0.001), and death (9 vs. 0, 4, and 0%; p = 0.004). Compared to SGC, BCC, and SCC, locoregional lymph node metastasis was more common with miscellaneous tumors (26 vs. 16, < 1, and 8%; p = 0.001) over a mean follow-up period of 19 months.

Conclusion

In Asian Indians, SGC is twice as common as BCC and 3 times more common than SCC. SGC is associated with poorer prognosis compared to other eyelid malignant tumors.

Current review of sebaceous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Periocular sebaceous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy that is often misdiagnosed leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This review aims to describe current knowledge on the disease to aid clinicians in timely diagnosis and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

New research has shown that the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma can be aided with immunohistochemical stains. A revision in the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system incorporates new tumor size classifications in the staging of eyelid carcinomas. Wide local excision and Mohs micrographic surgery continue to represent the standard of care for initial treatment of localized disease.

SUMMARY

The current review highlights diagnostic and treatment modalities to allow clinicians to make timely diagnosis and tailor treatment plans for individual patient presentations.

14-year case series of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma in Chinese patients and review of management

Aims

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid is a rare but potentially deadly cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7th Edition T category for SGC correlated with metastasis and survival in the Chinese population.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-centre cohort study. Patients with surgically resected eyelid SGC between January 2001 and May 2015 at the Hong Kong Eye Hospital were reviewed. Tumours were staged using the AJCC criteria. The main outcome measures included local recurrence, metastasis and death. Disease-free survival (DFS) was measured from the completion of treatment; overall survival was measured from the date of initial diagnosis.

Results

The study included 22 Chinese patients with a mean age of 65.4 years. The majority presented as a nodular lesion (91%) with 12 eyes (54.5%) initially misdiagnosed and a mean presentation time of 1 year. It was found that those with AJCC stage T2b or higher were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.002) when compared with those with stage T2a. Older age at diagnosis (P=0.035) and no misdiagnosis (P=0.025) were associated with shorter DFS. Those with stage 3a or higher were associated with shorter DFS (P=0.007) and overall survival (P=0.024).

Conclusion

Similar to previous reports, in this Chinese cohort, AJCC staging for SGC correlated with lymph node metastasis, DFS and overall survival. Those with stage 2b or higher on presentation will need closer surveillance for lymph node metastasis and may benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Analysis of hedgehog signaling in periocular sebaceous carcinoma

PURPOSE

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a clinical masquerader of benign conditions resulting in significant eye morbidity, sometimes leading to extensive surgical treatment including exenteration, and even mortality. Little is known about the genetic or molecular basis of SC. This study identifies the involvement of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in periocular SC.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with periocular SC patients were compared to 15 patients with eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC; a known Hh tumor), alongside four normal individuals as a control for physiological Hh expression. Expression of Patched 1 (PTCH1), Smoothened (SMO), and glioma-associated zinc transcription factors (Gli1 and Gli2) were assessed in histological sections using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. Antibody specificity was verified using Western-blot analysis of a Gli1 over-expressed cancer cell line, LNCaP-Gli1. Semi-quantification compared tumors and control tissue using IF analysis by ImageJ software.

RESULTS

Expression of the Hh pathway was observed in SC for all four major components of the pathway. PTCH1, SMO, and Gli2 were more significantly upregulated in SC (P < 0.01) compared to nBCC. Stromal expression of PTCH1 and Gli2 was observed in SC (P < 0.01). In contrast, stromal expression of these proteins in nBCC was similar or down-regulated compared to physiological Hh controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hh signaling pathway is significantly more upregulated in periocular SC compared to nBCC, a known aberrant Hh pathway tumor. Furthermore, the stroma of the SC demonstrated Hh upregulation, in particular Gli2, compared to nBCC. Targeting of this pathway may be a potential treatment strategy for SC.

Incidence and Clinical Features of Rare Cutaneous Malignancies in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2000 to 2010

BACKGROUND

The incidence of rare cutaneous malignancies is unknown. Current estimates of rare cutaneous malignancy incidences are based on broad epidemiologic data or single institution experiences, not population-based data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of several rare nonmelanoma skin cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of a population-based cohort between the years 2000 and 2010. Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who were diagnosed with a biopsy-proven nonmelanoma skin cancer-excluding basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma-were included in this study. The primary outcome was tumor incidence. Additionally, the authors extracted patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted incidences per 100,000 persons of multiple rare cutaneous malignancies were: atypical fibroxanthoma (1.8), sebaceous carcinoma (0.8), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (0.4), microcystic adnexal carcinoma (0.7), eccrine carcinoma (0.4), eccrine porocarcinoma (0.2), and leiomyosarcoma (0.2).

CONCLUSION

The authors report population-based incidences and clinical characteristics for these rare cutaneous malignancies. The immune status and smoking status of patients and the treatment and outcomes of these tumors are reported. Additional studies in a broader population are needed to further define the epidemiology and outcomes of these malignancies.

Sebaceous Carcinoma Treated With Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and potentially aggressive adnexal neoplasm with historic data indicating high rates of recurrence, metastasis, and cancer-specific mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of local recurrence, metastasis, disease-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality and to identify work-up approaches.

PATIENTS AND METHODS/MATERIALS

Retrospective review of patients with sebaceous carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery between 2001 and 2013 at one institution.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients had 45 sebaceous carcinomas located on the periocular region (13%), non-periocular face (47%), scalp (7%), neck (4%), trunk (9%), and extremities (20%). The mean age was 66.1 years, and 24 (65%) patients were male. Five patients had Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) or Lynch syndrome. Seven of 12 tumors showed loss of expression of ≥1 mismatch repair gene. The most common work-up involved taking a detailed personal and family medical history. No local recurrences, metastases, or disease-specific deaths occurred during an average follow-up of 3.6 years.

CONCLUSION

Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective treatment for sebaceous carcinoma. Detailed history taking, age-appropriate cancer screening, and immunohistochemical staining with MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6 is helpful in identifying which patients should be referred to a geneticist for work-up of MTS.

p16 Expression Is Not a Surrogate Marker for High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Periocular Sebaceous Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in periocular sebaceous carcinoma (SC) using multiple methods of detection, and to determine whether p16 overexpression is present and can be used as a surrogate marker for HR-HPV.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series with laboratory investigations.

METHODS

Unstained paraffin sections of 35 cases of periocular SC were analyzed with immunohistochemistry for p16 and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HR-HPV. A subset of 18 lesions that were p16-positive was further studied with a novel method of mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for the detection of transcriptionally active HR-HPV, an advanced technique with an enhanced sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The clinical findings were in keeping with those of comparable earlier studies. Strong immunohistochemical p16 positivity (meeting the criterion of >70% nuclear and cytoplasmic staining) was present in 29 of 35 cases of periocular SC (82.9%). The selected 18 p16-positive cases tested were negative for HR-HPV using mRNA ISH. PCR yielded unequivocal results with adequate DNA isolated in 24 cases, 23 of which were negative for HR-HPV. One case was positive for HPV type 16, which was found to be a false positive as collaterally determined by mRNA ISH negativity.

CONCLUSION

No evidence was found for HR-HPV as an etiologic agent in the development of periocular SC using multiple modalities to maximize sensitivity and specificity and reduce the limitations of any single test. p16 overexpression is common in periocular SC but unrelated to HR-HPV status. Although p16 may be used as a surrogate marker for HR-HPV status in other tissue sites, this interpretation of p16 positivity is not applicable to periocular SC.

Multiple Sebaceous Adenomas and Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinoma in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis: Case Report and Review of Literature

Background:

Sebaceous carcinomas are relatively rare cutaneous tumors; there are fewer than 600 cases reported. They most commonly arise within the meibomian gland of the eyelid; fewer than 150 of the reported cases were extraocular. These tumors have a high incidence of local recurrence and regional metastasis. The relationship of sebaceous tumors and visceral malignancy is well established in the literature.

Objective:

We describe a 44-year-old white female with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis who developed multiple scalp sebaceous adenomas and a solitary sebaceous carcinoma.

Conclusion:

Extraocular sebaceous carcinomas are rare tumors with high incidence of local recurrence and regional metastasis. Surgery with wide surgical margins is the standard treatment. We report the first case of multiple sebaceous tumors in a patient with multiple sclerosis. The presence of sebaceous tumors warrants a search for an internal malignancy. Literature on sebaceous tumors and their relationship with visceral malignancies and immunologic disorders is discussed. Literature on sebaceous carcinoma with special attention to extraocular sebaceous carcinoma is also discussed.

Management Considerations in Extraocular Sebaceous Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignancy with metastatic potential. The authors present a case of a rapidly growing extraocular SC with equivocal radiographic imaging to highlight challenges in tumor management.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the existing literature for evaluation and management recommendations of extraocular SC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A comprehensive review of relevant English articles in PubMed through May 2015.

RESULTS

Tumor-specific staging system and management guidelines do not currently exist for extraocular SC. Mohs micrographic surgery or wide local excision are the most commonly used surgical treatments. Regional/distant metastasis occurs infrequently, but systemic workup with radiographic imaging or sentinel lymph node biopsy may be warranted in select cases. Adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered for recurrent and metastatic tumors.

CONCLUSION

Extraocular SCs present unique challenges that may benefit from multidisciplinary management. Surgical removal with negative pathologic margins is the mainstay treatment of extraocular SC. Additional studies will help clarify the optimal diagnostic workup and adjuvant treatment of patients.

Sebaceous carcinoma in patients receiving long-term immunosuppresive treatment: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a very rare and aggressive malignant skin cancer that appears to occur with a greater frequency in the clinical setting of chronic immunosuppression; however, it is not reported in the literature as frequently as is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We report 2 cases of SC in organ transplant patients from clinical and histopathological points of view.

METHODS

A 48-year-old patient after 3 renal transplantations (1986, 1986, and 1998) was presented to the Dermatology Department in 1999 because of a papillomatous lesion along her right upper eyelid. The lesion was excised. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as a SC. There was no lymphovascular invasion and no metastasis; therefore no other treatment was included. No symptoms of recurrent disease were present 14 years since diagnosis. An 87-year-old patient after a renal transplantation in 1989 was referred to dermatologist in 1993 because of the lesion on his right temple. The lesion was excised; histopathologically, it was diagnosed as SC. Because of metastatic disease, he had a course of radiotherapy to the right side of the neck. The immunosuppressive drugs azathioprine and cyclosporine A were reduced. The patient died of metastatic disease 1 year later (3 years since diagnosis). Both patients had very high cumulative UV exposition during their lifetimes, and many skin cancers were diagnosed, especially SCC.

RESULTS

It is necessary to realize that this cancer occurs more frequently in organ transplant patients, and its correct diagnosis is an essential issue because it has significantly more aggressive behavior than does SCC. In the 2 presented patients, we observed very rapid progression of disease. Despite aggressive treatment and reduction of immunosuppressive drugs, the second patient died 3 years after diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular dermatological follow-up is required in the population of organ transplant patients to identify all skin tumors in the early stage.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Ocular Region: The 2014 Professor Winifred Mao Lecture

Sebaceous carcinoma is a malignancy arising in the periocular region that can lead to blindness and tumor-related metastases. This study is a review of published literature and personal experience. This malignancy can arise from the sebaceous units in the tarsus (meibomian glands), in association with the cilia (Zeis glands), in the brow, and in the caruncle. There is a tendency for diffuse intraepithelial growth (pagetoid spread) that can be clinically invisible. Detection before lymph node metastasis is critical. This malignancy often masquerades as chronic unilateral conjunctivitis or blepharitis, typically in older patients. Management includes a 2-step approach with step 1 focused on eyelid and conjunctival map biopsies to determine the full extent of solid deep tumor and pagetoid spread. After complete review of all biopsies, step 2 is performed using local resection for all deep tumor, cryotherapy to pagetoid disease, and reconstruction. In most cases, the posterior lamella of eyelid is sacrificed with tumor removal, whereas the anterior lamella of the eyelid can be saved. After removal and cryotherapy, immediate reconstruction, using clean instruments, with buccal membrane graft for the posterior lamella and skin flap for the anterior lamella, is developed. For persistent or recurrent pagetoid disease, cryotherapy, topical mitomycin C, or plaque radiotherapy is provided. Exenteration is sometimes necessary. Sebaceous carcinoma, if detected early, can be managed with carefully planned map biopsy to determine tumor extent, followed by local resection, cryotherapy, and eyelid reconstruction. Orbital exenteration is occasionally necessary.

ZEB2/SIP1 as novel prognostic indicator in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in tumor invasion and metastasis in various malignancies. ZEB2/SIP1 is an important EMT regulator and down-regulates E-cadherin expression. The present study was planned to explore status of EMT-associated markers ZEB2/SIP1 and E-cadherin in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) and to correlate with clinicopathological high-risk features. Expressions of ZEB2 and E-cadherin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 65 cases of histopathologically proven eyelid SGC. The results were correlated with clinicopathological high-risk features and survival of the patients to determine the prognostic significance of ZEB2, E-cadherin, and various high-risk features. Cytoplasmic overexpression of ZEB2 and membranous loss of E-cadherin were seen in 68% and 66% of cases of eyelid SGC, respectively. ZEB2 overexpression was significantly associated with E-cadherin loss (P = .002). Overexpression of ZEB2 also showed significant association with lymph node metastasis (P = .046), orbital invasion (P = .049), large tumor size (P = .018), and advanced tumor stages (P = .036). Survival analysis revealed that patients with ZEB2 overexpression had poor survival. ZEB2 overexpression and orbital invasion were found to be independent prognostic indicators (univariate analysis). However, multivariate analysis showed that ZEB2 (hazard ratio, 0.094; 95% confidence interval, 00.012-0.709; P = .022) was the best poor prognostic indicator of eyelid SGC. Our study demonstrates the role of both ZEB2 and E-cadherin in the promotion of EMT in eyelid SGC. The outcome of this study also points toward ZEB2 as an independent prognostic marker as well as a potential therapeutic target in eyelid SGC.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid: clinicopathological features and outcome in Asian Indians

PURPOSE

To study the clinical and histopathological features of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) and to evaluate the prognosis in the Asian-Indian population.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 191 patients with SGC.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation of eyelid SGC was 57 years (median, 56 years). The tumor epicenter was most commonly located in the upper eyelid (n=125, 65%). The mean tumor basal diameter was 15 mm (median, 10 mm). There was evidence of tumor extension into the orbit (n=30, 16%), paranasal sinuses (n=3, 2%), and brain (n=1, 1%). Wide excision biopsy (n=146, 78%) was the most common treatment modality. Tumor recurrence was noted in 42 (24%) patients over a mean follow-up period of 29 months (median, 20 months). On the basis of the Kaplan-Meier estimate, lymph node metastasis occurred in 18%, systemic metastasis was detected in 10%, and death occurred in 2% of patients at 10 years. On multivariate analysis, the factors predicting locoregional lymph node and systemic metastasis were medial canthal involvement (P=0.004; P=0.013), lateral canthal involvement (P=0.013; P=0.025), tumor basal diameter >10 mm (P=0.002; P=0.002), and perivascular invasion (P=0.043; P<0.001), respectively. The factors predicting death due to metastasis on multivariate analysis were medial canthal involvement (P=0.012) and tumor basal diameter >10 mm (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Advanced eyelid SGC is a tumor associated with poor prognosis. In this study, canthal involvement, larger tumor diameter, and perivascular invasion were poor prognostic factors.

Sebaceous carcinoma: review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma is an uncommon adnexal neoplasm with a documented capability for regional and distant metastasis. Traditionally, sebaceous carcinoma has been associated with high rates of recurrence after excision.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature on sebaceous carcinoma and detail its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathology, diagnostic workup, treatment, and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review using PubMed search for articles related to sebaceous carcinoma.

RESULTS

Sebaceous carcinoma typically presents as a painless pink or yellow nodule. Diagnosis requires histopathologic examination, and immunohistochemical analysis often assists in the differentiation of sebaceous carcinoma from other benign and malignant skin neoplasms. Sebaceous carcinoma should prompt a workup for Muir-Torre syndrome. Periorbital sebaceous carcinoma has an increased tendency for regional metastasis, although cancer-specific mortality rates are similar among all anatomic locations.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is the preferred treatment for local disease. Limited data suggest that Mohs micrographic surgery may provide superior clinical outcomes, but more research is needed regarding the long-term outcomes. Radiation and systemic chemotherapy are reserved for recurrent or metastatic disease.

Characteristics of sebaceous carcinoma and early outcomes of treatment using Mohs micrographic surgery versus wide local excision: an update of the Mayo Clinic experience over the past 2 decades

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize SC and treatment approaches and outcomes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with SC from 1992 through 2012. Recurrence-free survival was estimated and compared between groups.

RESULTS

We identified 52 patients with SC (39, 75.0% male). Mean age ± standard deviation at diagnosis was 72.7 ± 10.8. Forty-nine patients (94.2%) were white. Twenty-one (of 29 with known status) had a diagnosis of Muir-Torre syndrome. Six had multiple primary SCs (total of 73 SCs in 52 patients). The most common locations for SC were the back (20.5%), cheek (13.7%), nose (11.0%), and eye (9.6%). Treatment was recorded for 70 SCs; 35 (50.0%) were treated using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and 26 (37.1%) using wide local excision (WLE). Of the 45 patients (66 SCs) with clinical follow-up, three (6.7% of patients; 4.8% of SCs) had documented recurrence.

CONCLUSION

MMS and WLE are effective treatments for SC. Further research is warranted to determine whether one treatment is more efficacious than the other.

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma: clinicopathologic and multiparametric immunohistochemical analysis that includes adipophilin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the fine cytopathologic features and immunohistochemistry of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinicopathologic study.

METHODS

Clinical records and microscopic glass slides of 12 patients diagnosed with sebaceous carcinoma were reviewed. Paraffin-embedded tissue recuts were immunoreacted for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Ber-EP4, p53, Ki-67, and adipophilin for cytoplasmic lipid. Invasive growth and intraepithelial spread were analyzed separately. Cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics were correlated with the results of the immunohistochemical profiling.

RESULTS

Five patients experienced recurrences, but no metastases or tumor-related deaths were discovered. The nuclei in 11 invasive tumor cells were typically round with finely divided, granular, or smudgy chromatin without prominent margination at the nuclear membrane; they exhibited small punctate nucleoli. Positivity for EMA (both diffuse and focal), p53 (72% of nuclei), and Ki-67 (45% proliferation index) was demonstrated. Adipophilin positivity in vesicular and granular forms was detected in paraffin sections in all invasive tumors, most prominently in moderately differentiated and well-differentiated lesions. Among 9 cases exhibiting intraepithelial extensions, 6 showed mostly granular positivity and 3 vesicular positivity. p53 identified residual atypical intraepithelial cells when conjunctival epithelial sloughing occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemistry can make significant contributions to the diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma. p53 and vesicular granular adipophilin positivity were highly reliable in supplementing the routine microscopic diagnosis of infiltrative tumors and both can be used in paraffin sections, thereby obviating cumbersome oil red O staining of frozen sections. The cells found in intraepithelial spread were strongly EMA and p53 positive, with more granular than vesicular adipophilin positivity.