Sebaceous Carcinoma

Sebaceous carcinomas arise from cancerous cells in sebaceous glands, which are sebum-producing glands biologically tasked with keeping the skin moisturized. Sebaceous glands are usually, but not always associated with hair follicles. Almost all areas of the skin have these glands (the palms and soles are exceptions), but they are particularly dense on the face and around the eyelids. Sebaceous carcinoma can be confusingly called by a variety of different names, including sebaceous adenocarcinoma, sebaceous neoplasms or tumors, and as meibomian carcinoma. This cancer is rare, but can be very aggressive and has the potential to spread to distant parts of the body and cause death. They most commonly develop on, around or inside the eyelids, but can also arise on the head, scalp, neck, and occasionally on other areas of skin including the genitalia. Older individuals are at higher risk, but sebaceous carcinoma can occur at any age, including children. It has been reported to be more common in Asians than in Caucasians. This type of cancer can occur more often in people who have inherited a gene for a familial form cancer (such as Lynch syndrome, or the Muir-Torre variant of Lynch syndrome).

The cancers resemble nodules, raised bumps or cyst-like growths which can grow relatively rapidly. They can range in color from reddish, pink, or purple, sometimes with yellow overtones. The rim of the eyelids may appear thickened, and there may be occasional bleeding. Sebaceous carcinomas can be mistaken for benign conditions such as eyelid styes, chalazian, pimples, or inflammation.

Because of the aggressive nature of sebaceous carcinomas, any new growths near the eyes or around hair follicles which fail to heal should be evaluated by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist.

All photographs and diagrams are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for diagnosis.  A dermatologist should be consulted for examination and diagnosis of skin lesions.

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