Sebaceous Cell Carcinoma

Sebaceous cell carcinoma commonly affects the eyelids but can also occur on other areas of the body where sebaceous glands are present, such as the face, scalp, neck, and trunk.

Symptoms of sebaceous cell carcinoma may include a painless, slow-growing nodule or mass on the eyelid or other affected area. They often present as yellowish or flesh-colored growths. Sebaceous cell carcinoma can mimic other benign conditions such as a chalazion or a stye but, unlike benign lesions, typically persists and may increase in size over time.

Risk factors for sebaceous cell carcinoma include older age, previous radiation therapy, genetic conditions such as Muir-Torre syndrome, and conditions that affect the meibomian glands of the eyelids, such as ocular rosacea or chronic blepharitis.

Muir-Torre syndrome: Muir-Torre syndrome is a rare hereditary condition characterized by the presence of both sebaceous gland tumors and internal cancers, particularly colorectal (colon cancer for example) and genitourinary cancers (bladder cancer for example). Muir-Torre syndrome is caused by mutations in genes involved in DNA mismatch repair. These mutations impair the body’s ability to repair errors in DNA replication, leading to an increased risk of developing both skin tumors and internal malignancies.

The diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and often a skin biopsy. Unlike other types of cancer, you can see skin cancers. This makes it easier to detect them early. Skin cancer screening exams and self-exams at home help detect skin cancer earlier. If you notice a new or suspicious spot on your skin, or develop a nonhealing sore or growth, it is best to check in with a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer expert like Dr. Thomas Knackstedt.

Here’s how the process generally unfolds (ideally the following paragraphs are separated by arrows):

Medical History

The team at Apex Skin Center will inquire about your medical history, including any previous skin conditions, sun exposure habits, family history of skin cancer, family history of internal malignancies, and any symptoms or changes in the skin.

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Physical Examination

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Knackstedt will conduct a thorough examination of the skin, focusing on any suspicious lesions or growths. Dermoscopy, a tool that allows for the magnification of structures within a skin growth is used to aid in the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma.

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Skin Biopsy

If Dr. Knackstedt suspects sebaceous cell carcinoma based on the physical examination and dermoscopy findings, a skin biopsy may be performed. During a skin biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious lesion under local anesthesia (numbing) and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of sebaceous cell carcinoma and to assess the cancers characteristics.

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Once the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma is confirmed, further evaluation may be necessary to determine the need for genetic screening, evaluate the extent of the cancer and plan appropriate treatment. As a fellowship trained, board-certified Mohs surgeon and dermatology oncologist (cancer specialist), Dr. Thomas Knackstedt and the team at Apex Skin Center have significant expertise in the management of all types of skin cancer. Dr. Knackstedt previously authored one of the most comprehensive published reviews on sebaceous cell carcinoma.

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is most commonly treated by local excision or Mohs surgery. Sebaceous cell carcinoma is rare; hence the treatment should be performed by a board-certified Mohs surgeon who has extensive experience with this tumor through a formal fellowship training process. At Apex Skin Center, fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, is an expert at removing and managing this type of cancer.