Cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms

Abstract

Ninety-five patients, each having a single cutaneous sebaceous neoplasm, were selected for study. Lesions of the eyelids were excluded. The tumors were classified as sebaceous adenomas (46), basal cell carcinomas with sebaceous differentiation (43), and sebaceous carcinomas (6). Morphological criteria for separation into these categories are discussed and illustrated. Lesions considered transitional between the classes were observed. Recurrence was unusual, occurring in only three sebaceous adenomas, three basal cell carcinomas with sebaceous differentiation, and one sebaceous carcinoma. Only one tumor, a sebaceous carcinoma, showed aggressive local growth. None metastasized. This behavior contrasts with the frequently observed metastases and death associated with sebaceous carcinoma arising in eyelids, caruncle, or orbit.