Ocular sebaceous carcinoma: a report of 2 cases

Sebaceous carcinomas are divided into an ocular sebaceous carcinoma and extraocular sebaceous carcinoma. Ocular sebaceous carcinoma is derived from the meibomian glands, Zeis' glands, or caruncula lacrimalis. It is misdiagnosed as a chalazion so that it often recurs after excision. It can be diagnosed only by pathological examination. Prognosis of sebaceous carcinoma is poor, when it is more than T3 in size. Early diagnosis and treatment are required.We experienced 2 patients with sebaceous carcinoma in the upper eyelid. Operation is the first choice in treatment against ocular sebaceous carcinoma, although ocular sebaceous carcinoma rising in the eyelid is often difficult to remove completely. We excise these tumors in full thickness of the eyelid with a safety margin of 5mm or 10mm, which is different in accordance with the tumor's size. A defect of the upper eyelid was reconstructed with a switch flap of the lower eyelid. This method is useful in reconstructing the function and appearance of eyelid. [Skin Cancer (Japan) 2004; 19: 190-194]