Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that can occur on any part of the body with sebaceous glands, but is most common on the eyelid. Factors that contribute to its development include sun exposure, weakened immune system, age, gender, genetics, and radiotherapy. Diagnosis requires a biopsy and treatment options include cryosurgery, surgical excision, and Mohs surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to good survival rates, but patients should be closely monitored for possible metastases. Symptoms include stye-like growths, pink eye, and slowly growing masses that may bleed.
Sebaceous carcinoma is a type of skin cancer found on areas of the skin that have sebaceous glands. The most common site for this skin cancer to develop is the eyelid. Other potential sites include the face and neck, arms and legs, the inside of the mouth or ear, and the genitals. Sebaceous carcinoma can occur, however, in any area of the body where there are sebaceous glands.
Factors that could contribute to the development of this type of skin cancer include sun exposure and a weakened immune system. Age is another factor. Most patients who develop this disease are middle-aged or older. Gender may also be a contributing factor, because females develop the condition more often than males. Also, radiotherapy could contribute to the development of this rare cancer, as some patients who receive radiotherapy later develop these skin cancers.
Genetics is another potential cause of the disease. Patients who develop Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS), a rare genetic disorder that makes patients more susceptible to multiple types of cancer, may develop sebaceous carcinoma. Sebaceous carcinoma can be an indication that a patient has STDs, so anyone who develops the condition should also be examined for possible STDs.
While this type of skin cancer is a rare condition, it is also aggressive. Tumors can come back after treatment. Recurrence usually occurs within five years of the initial diagnosis. Like all cancers, this condition can metastasize or spread to other parts of the body as well.
When this type of skin cancer occurs in the eyelid, it often looks like a stye. It can also mimic pink eye. Because of this, the disease can be misdiagnosed. Additional eye symptoms include loss of eyelashes and distorted vision.
Elsewhere in the body, sebaceous carcinoma appears as a slowly growing mass. These masses or nodules might be pink to yellow-red in color. They might even bleed.
Diagnosing this rare tumor requires a biopsy of the tumor. Doctors might also order blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-rays, and imaging studies to rule out metastases. If STDs are suspected, patients may be asked to undergo a colonoscopy, as metastasis to the colon is common with STDs.
Possible treatments for sebaceous cancer include cryosurgery and surgical excision. Mohs surgery, a technique in which the surgeon removes one layer of skin at a time, is another possible treatment. Radiology may be included in patient care if the cancer has spread.
Anyone with a stye that doesn’t go away, an eyelid sore that doesn’t heal, a case of pink eye that doesn’t go away, or a skin lump that doesn’t go away should be evaluated for possible sebaceous cancer. Survival rates for patients with sebaceous cancer are good with early diagnosis and treatment. Patients who have been diagnosed with this skin condition, however, should be closely monitored by their doctors for possible metastases.
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