Postoperative Radiotherapy for Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Upper Eyelid

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1995;11(1):36-40.
Published online June 30, 1995.

Su mi Chung;Byung Ock Choi;Ihl Bohing Choi;Kyung Sub Shinn;Jun Hee Byoun

상안검 피지선암의 수술후 방사선 치료 1례

정수미;최병옥;최일봉;신경섭;변준희

Abstract

Sebaceous carcinomas of the eyelids are uncommon but lethal tumors. Lesions are usually seen in the elderly, predominantly women. The meibomian glands of the tarsus are the most frequent site of origin. Less commonly, the tumor arises in other sebaceous glands, e.g., the gland of Zeis, eyebrow or caruncle. Regardless of the location, sebaceous malignancies must be considered aggressive neoplasms with a potential for regional and distant metastasis. Diagnosis may be difficult, given the low incidence and inconsistencies in histopathologic classification. Treatment requires wide surgical excision with removal of involved regional lymph nodes and exenteration is reserved for those patients with orbital involvement or diffuse intraepithelial neoplasia. Opinions are divided regarding the use of postoperative irradiation or chemotherapy. Recently we experienced 46-year-old male patient with a 12-month history of painless, firm nodule and conjunctivitis due to sebaceous carcinoma of the left upper eyelid. After surgery, serial sections of the entire conjunctiva and eyelids showed a positive cut margin in medial and lateral border. We report herein this patient that supports irradiation as the postoperative treatment of these tumors in selected patients with a review of literatures.

Key Words: Sebaceous carcinoma, Postoperative radiotherapy