Sebaceous carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. Experience at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires

Abstract

Background: sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignant tumor that originates in the sebaceous glands. It can be classified as periocular or extraocular. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the first line treatment.

Objectives: estimate the relative frequency of SC and describe the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics and the type of surgical reconstruction of patients diagnosed with SC treated with MMS in the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA).

Design: retrospective cohort study.

Materials and methods: we reviewed the electronic medical records of patients with histopathological diagnosis of SC operated with MMS between January 1, 2010 and April 30, 2022.

Results: during the study period, 14,845 MMS were performed, of which 13 (0.08%) were SC; 69% of the patients were male and the mean age was 70 years. The median time from the appearance of the lesion to the biopsy was 6 months. In 61% of the cases, surgical treatment was performed in conjunction with the ophthalmology service. The median postoperative follow-up was 14.5 months.

Conclusions: SC is a rarely suspected tumor. In two thirds of our cases another pathology was initially thought of, with a median diagnostic delay of 6 months. Strict control of the margins with MMS and reconstruction by oculoplasty are benefits of an interdisciplinary management.