Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma: An assessment of the T classification of the American Joint Committee of Cancer TNM staging system 8th versus 7th edition

Primary Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyebrow: A Case Report

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy and has a specific anatomic preference for the ocular region, especially the eyelids. However, periocular SC originated from the eyebrow is rare, which may cause poorer outcomes due to a greater likelihood of orbital invasion and excessive tumor volume. In the present case, we exhibited a 68-year-old male presenting with a large solid mass in his right eyebrow region developing in ten months. Based on the patient's history, clinical conditions, orbital computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan results, a malignant tumor was suspected preliminarily. Excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the tumor revealed SC. The patient declined the enlarged surgery recommended next and ended up with death caused by the distant metastasis of SC. The case highlighted the fact that despite its rarity, SC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of tumors located in the eyebrow region and histopathologic evaluation must be performed to reach a definite diagnosis. Ophthalmologists are supposed to have a comprehensive understanding of the clinicopathological characteristics of this disease and help patients accept the appropriate treatments promptly via properly and adequate communication if necessary.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma: analysis based on the 8th edition of American Joint Cancer Committee classification

PURPOSE

To assess the prognostic value of T category of the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification in periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC).

METHODS

Retrospective interventional case series of 119 cases.

RESULTS

Based on the T category of 8th edition of AJCC classification, 119 periocular SGCs were classified into T1 (n = 33, 28%), T2 (n = 37, 31%) T3 (n = 17, 14%) and T4 (n = 32, 27%). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of tumour recurrence based on T category. The outcome measures that showed significant increase with increase in T category included regional lymph node metastasis (3% for T1, 3% for T2, 12% for T3, and 44% for T4; p < 0.0001), systemic metastasis (0% for T1, 0% for T2, 12% for T3, and 25% for T4; p = 0.002) and death due to metastasis (0% for T1, 0% for T2, 12% for T3, and 22% for T4; p = 0.005). The 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimate rate for regional lymph node metastasis, systemic metastasis and metastasis-related death were all higher for the T4 category tumours (42%, p = 0.005; 34%, p = 0.0002; and 43%, p = 0.0001 respectively) compared to T1 (9%, 0%, and 0%), T2 (5%, 0%, and 0%) and T3 (10%, 17 and 8%) tumours.

CONCLUSION

Primary tumour (T) category of the 8th edition AJCC classification predicts the prognosis of patients with periocular SGC. The rates of lymph node metastasis, systemic metastasis, and death is much higher in T4 tumours compared to T1, T2, and T3 tumours. There was no association between T category and tumour recurrence.