Sebaceous gland cancer: Symptoms, origins, remedies, and further information
Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that typically begins on a person's eyelid. These carcinomas are sebaceous glands in the skin of the eyelid that can develop into cancer.
Sebaceous carcinomas on the eyelid can present with various symptoms, such as skin thickening near the lash line, eyelashes falling out, reddish or yellow crusting on the eyelid, and the growth of painless yellowish lumps that grow slowly and feel deep and firm. In some cases, these growths may secrete fluid.
If left untreated, sebaceous carcinoma can spread and affect a person's sight. It can also develop in other areas of the body, although this is much less common. When it occurs outside the eyelid, sebaceous carcinoma may be detected through imaging techniques or a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspicious lymph nodes.
The 5-year overall survival rates for sebaceous carcinoma are estimated to be 78% for localized cancer and 50% for metastatic cancer. It is crucial to catch and treat sebaceous carcinoma as early as possible to improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for sebaceous carcinoma, with techniques like Mohs micrographic surgery or frozen section excision often used to ensure complete tumor removal while sparing healthy tissue. Radiation therapy may be a suitable option if a person cannot have surgery or prefers not to, if the cancer has spread, or if some cancer remains after surgery. Chemotherapy, including topical chemotherapy eye drops, may also be used in some cases.
Reconstruction following tumor excision is tailored based on the size and location of the defect, particularly important for eyelid sebaceous carcinoma to preserve function and appearance.
Regular follow-up is important to monitor for recurrence or metastasis. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises people who have received treatment for sebaceous carcinoma to protect their skin from sun exposure, perform skin self-exams, keep all follow-up appointments, and ask a doctor what else they may be able to do to improve their outlook.
In a study, 16 out of 18 people who had Mohs surgery for sebaceous carcinoma were cancer-free after an average follow-up of 37 months. Sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete sebum.
Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, many people can achieve a positive outcome. If you notice any unusual growths, changes, or symptoms on your eyelids or elsewhere on your body, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that often starts on a person's eyelid, and it can develop from sebaceous glands in the skin.
- The 5-year overall survival rates for sebaceous carcinoma are estimated to be 78% for localized cancer and 50% for metastatic cancer, making early detection and treatment crucial.
- When sebaceous carcinoma is detected outside the eyelid, imaging techniques or a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspicious lymph nodes may be used.
- Regular follow-ups, sun protection, skin self-exams, and maintaining all appointments are essential for people who have received treatment for sebaceous carcinoma, as per advice from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.
