Epidemiology

Sebaceous carcinoma is very rare, constituting about 0.2-0.3% of all skin cancer. It may be more common in the skin of individuals who have been exposed to radiation. The most frequent site for tumours is around the eyelids.

Note - the World Health Organization classifies sebaceous carcinoma into 2 categories: periocular and extraocular. The former accounts for 75% of cases, primarily affects the eyelid, and exhibits a higher metastatic potential. Periocular sebaceous carcinoma also ranks as the 3rd most common eyelid malignancy after basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Notably, extraocular sebaceous carcinoma tumours demonstrate a significant association with visceral malignancies.

Reference

1. Eisen DB, Michael DJ. Sebaceous lesions and their associated syndromes: part I. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Oct;61(4):549-60; quiz 561-2