Sebaceous carcinoma: the great masquerader: emgerging concepts in diagnosis and treatment

The Jag2/Notch1 signaling axis promotes sebaceous gland differentiation and controls progenitor proliferation

The sebaceous gland (SG) is a vital appendage of the epidermis, and its normal homeostasis and function is crucial for effective maintenance of the skin barrier. Notch signaling is a well-known regulator of epidermal differentiation, and has also been shown to be involved in postnatal maintenance of SGs. However, the precise role of Notch signaling in regulating SG differentiation in the adult homeostatic skin remains unclear. While there is evidence to suggest that Notch1 is the primary Notch receptor involved in regulating the differentiation process, the ligand remains unknown. Using monoclonal therapeutic antibodies designed to specifically inhibit of each of the Notch ligands or receptors, we have identified the Jag2/Notch1 signaling axis as the primary regulator of sebocyte differentiation in mouse homeostatic skin. Mature sebocytes are lost upon specific inhibition of the Jag2 ligand or Notch1 receptor, resulting in the accumulation of proliferative stem/progenitor cells in the SG. Strikingly, this phenotype is reversible, as these stem/progenitor cells re-enter differentiation when the inhibition of Notch activity is lifted. Thus, Notch activity promotes correct sebocyte differentiation, and is required to restrict progenitor proliferation.

Clinicopathologic Features of Eyelid Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma Requiring Immunohistochemical Diagnosis

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC), which requires immunohistochemical examination for a definitive diagnosis.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with a final diagnosis of eyelid SGC at Toyama University Hospital between April 2016 and April 2022 were retrospectively studied. In cases with a strong clinical suspicion of SGC, if the initial pathological diagnosis by hematoxylin-eosin staining was non-SGC, additional detailed pathology was performed, including immunostaining for adipophilin (ADP) and androgen receptor (AR).

Results

Five patients (18.5%) had a diagnosis other than SGC, including three with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one with basal cell carcinoma, and one with Bowen disease. In these 5 cases, detailed pathology, including immunostaining for ADP and AR, was performed again, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of SGC. ADP was positive in all 5 cases, and AR was positive in 4 cases. The 3 patients diagnosed with SCC were characterized by a high Ki-67 index, active mitosis, and relatively low differentiation.

Conclusion

SGC can be pathologically diagnosed in other cancers, such as SCC and BCC. When SCC was diagnosed, it was often hypo-differentiated and required more attention. Immunostaining for ADP and AR is invaluable for confirming SGC diagnosis.

External auditory canal sebaceous carcinoma

The incidence of sebaceous carcinoma (SC) in the outer one-third of the external auditory canal is considered extremely rare, and only eight case reports have been published. We present a case of a male patient in his late 70s known case of hypertension on indapamide. His medical history included a postspinal tumour that had been treated with surgery and radiation more than 40 years ago and current complaints of right ear pain and purulent discharge. A right ear soft granular tissue mass was found. Complete debulking of the right ear mass was done in conjunction with middle ear exploration, moderately differentiated SC diagnosis was made based on the histopathological analysis. The patient was free of recurrence but then died of an unrelated pulmonary infection. SC should be suspected in elderly patients who present with long-term complaints of a mass with or without otalgia, and these patients should be examined for the presence of such tumours especially if they report a history of radiation. Additionally, more research is warranted to investigate the association of diuretics with SC.

The effectiveness and safety of eyelid defect reconstruction after sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid surgery: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid is the third most common eyelid malignancy, after basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is highly malignant and potentially aggressive. Surgical excision is currently the best treatment option for this condition. Patients often require reconstruction surgery to repair eyelid defects to achieve normal eyelid function and appearance. However, no comprehensive systematic review has assessed the efficacy and safety of eyelid defect reconstruction. This protocol was developed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate evidence related to the efficacy and safety of reconstruction.

METHODS

We will systematically search the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from their inception to February 2023 for studies on eyelid defect reconstruction. We will identify other potential studies using multiple methods such as manual searching. The outcomes were eyelid function, eyelid morphology, patient satisfaction, recurrence rate, metastasis rate, tumor-related mortality, and adverse events. Two researchers will independently screen titles and abstracts, identify full-text studies for inclusion, extract data, and appraise the risk of bias in the included studies. A meta-analysis will be conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and R software. The certainty of evidence will be appraised by grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation system.

RESULTS

This full-text will adhere to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement to ensure clarity and completeness of reporting in all phases of the systematic review.

DISCUSSION

This study provides evidence of the efficacy and safety of reconstruction methods for sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid.

Primary Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyebrow: A Case Report

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy and has a specific anatomic preference for the ocular region, especially the eyelids. However, periocular SC originated from the eyebrow is rare, which may cause poorer outcomes due to a greater likelihood of orbital invasion and excessive tumor volume. In the present case, we exhibited a 68-year-old male presenting with a large solid mass in his right eyebrow region developing in ten months. Based on the patient's history, clinical conditions, orbital computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan results, a malignant tumor was suspected preliminarily. Excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the tumor revealed SC. The patient declined the enlarged surgery recommended next and ended up with death caused by the distant metastasis of SC. The case highlighted the fact that despite its rarity, SC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of tumors located in the eyebrow region and histopathologic evaluation must be performed to reach a definite diagnosis. Ophthalmologists are supposed to have a comprehensive understanding of the clinicopathological characteristics of this disease and help patients accept the appropriate treatments promptly via properly and adequate communication if necessary.

Prognostic risk factors and nomogram construction for sebaceous carcinoma: A population-based analysis

Background

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a rare tumor for which there are currently no effective tools to predict patient outcomes. We analyzed the clinical and pathological prognostic risk factors of sebaceous carcinoma based on population data and created a nomogram of related risk factors, which can more accurately predict the 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients.

Methods

SGC patients between 2004 and 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts. Relevant risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate COX hazards regression methods and combined to produce a correlation nomogram. The concordance index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve, and calibration plots have demonstrated the predictive power of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to measure nomograms in clinical practice.

Results

A total of 2844 eligible patients were randomly assigned to 70% of the training group (n=1990) and 30% of the validation group (n=854) in this study. The derived meaningful prognostic factors were applied to the establishment of the nomogram. The C-index for OS was 0.725 (95% CI: 0.706-0.741) in the training cohort and 0.710 (95% CI: 0.683-0.737) in the validation cohort. The AUC and calibration plots of 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates showed that the nomogram had good predictive power. DCA demonstrated that the nomogram constructed in this study could provide a clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

We created a novel nomogram of prognostic factors for SGC, which more accurately and comprehensively predicted 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS in SGC patients. This can help clinicians identify high-risk patients as early as possible, carry out personalized treatment, follow-up, and monitoring, and improve the survival rate of SGC patients.

Primary lung sebaceous carcinoma successfully treated with radiotherapy and pembrolizumab: A case report

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare cutaneous malignant tumor, usually occurring on the eyelids, head, neck, and trunk. There have been few reports about sebaceous carcinoma with primary lung cancer, for which optimal therapy has not yet been established. A 70-year-old man presented with a mass in the left iliac bone and tumor of the lower left lung. The morphological characteristics of the iliac bone biopsy pathology and immunostaining results showed sebaceous gland differentiation. After systemic examination, we diagnosed a primary lung sebaceous carcinoma with intrapulmonary and bone metastases. PD-L1 was positive in 1%-24% of tumor cells, and microsatellites were stable. We detected protein kinase B (AKT1) mutations using the Oncomine Dx target test. Palliative radiotherapy (RT) of a total of 45 Gy was provided in 15 fractions to the left iliac region, which resulted in a 25% reduction in the tumor size. Subsequently, four courses of first-line pembrolizumab led to a 30% reduction in the total tumor count. RT and pembrolizumab may be treatment options for certain rare primary sebaceous carcinomas of the lungs. A synergistic effect from RT and subsequent administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors may have contributed to tumor reduction.

Sebaceous Carcinoma Masquerading As Orbital Cellulitis

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered cutaneous malignancy. Often considered a great masquerader, sebaceous cell carcinoma arises from meibomian glands and can have a poor prognosis if not diagnosed early. In this case report, we present a patient with sebaceous cell carcinoma who presented to our emergency department with a clinical presentation that was concerning for orbital cellulitis. The patient was initially started on intravenous antibiotics. However, workup, including imaging and laboratory results, pointed toward malignancy as the diagnosis. The patient underwent an incisional biopsy and pathology confirming the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma. We engaged in further discussion of this peculiar cutaneous masquerader, differential diagnoses, and important considerations.

MicroRNA-3907 promotes the proliferation and migration of sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid by targeting thrombospondin 1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) play an important role in various types of carcinoma, including sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid. miR-3907 was found to be highly expressed in lung cancer; however, to the best of our knowledge, the biological role of miR-3907 in SGC has not previously been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to determine the role and mechanism of miR-3907 in the occurrence and development of SGC. miR-3907 was screened and identified as a novel upregulated miRNA in SGC tissues and cells, as determined using miRNA microarrays and reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR analyses. Compared with the control group, cellular proliferation and migration were enhanced in the miR-3907 mimics group, and decreased in the miR-3907 inhibitor group. Moreover, miR-3907 negatively regulated thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) expression, as shown by bioinformatics prediction, RT-qPCR, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays. In addition, compared with the control group, the small interfering (si) siRNA-THBS1 group exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration abilities, which were decreased in the THBS1 overexpression group. Furthermore, THBS1 overexpression was found to attenuate the stimulative effect of miR-3907 mimics, and THBS1-knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of the miR-3907 inhibitor in SGC cells. Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that miR-3907 promoted the proliferation and migration of SGC by downregulating THBS1, and that this axis may be a potential target for the prognostic assessment and treatment of SGC.

Metastatic Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in Patient With Muir-Torre Syndrome Misdiagnosed as Metastatic Sebaceous Carcinoma: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by the presence of at least one cutaneous sebaceous tumor and one visceral malignancy, arising mostly from the gastrointestinal tract. We present the case of a 63-year-old man with several cutaneous and visceral neoplasias in the context of MTS, and a pelvic lymph node lesion diagnosed initially as metastatic sebaceous carcinoma, but later identified as metastasis from a newly diagnosed prostatic adenocarcinoma. Histological similarities between these 2 lesions are discussed. A systematic literature review was conducted evaluating all published cases of patients with MTS in which metastases were reported. Eighteen articles were included in the final synthesis, representing 20 patients with a total of 26 metastases. Seventeen patients (85%) exhibited metastases originating from MTS-related neoplasms, whereas only 2 patients (11%) exhibited metastases from concomitant malignancies. Of the 85% of patients with metastases from MTS-related malignancies, most originated from noncutaneous sources (78% from visceral neoplasms and 22% from sebaceous carcinomas). When stratifying according to metastases, 23 cases (88%) originated from MTS-related lesions, whereas only 3 (12%) originated from unrelated malignancies. Our findings thus demonstrate that most metastases found in MTS patients (88%) do indeed originate from MTS-related neoplasms. Nevertheless, it remains imperative that a broad differential diagnosis is maintained when assessing a novel lesion, to avoid misdiagnoses, as in the present case, with significant therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the chest wall: A case report

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare, malignant tumor of the sebaceous glands. This is a case report of a 75-year-old man who presented with a right lower axillary mass which initially was considered to be a benign sebaceous cyst from sonography. The lesion rapidly changed in clinical and sonographic appearances and on histology was a sebaceous carcinoma. This unusual tumor accounts for less than 1% of all cutaneous malignant tumors, and the chest wall is a rare extraocular site with only nine cases described in the literature. Immunohistochemistry was negative for MSH2 and MSH6, and positive for MLH1 and PMS2, raising the possibility of Lynch or Muir-Torre Syndrome which is a known association with this rare tumor.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the eyelid is a rare, aggressive malignancy associated with high rates of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Provide a collective analysis of clinical presentations, management techniques, and outcomes, and compare outcomes of common treatment methods.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Observational studies reporting management and outcomes of SC of the eyelid were included. Patient and clinical data were extracted, and meta-analysis of proportions was performed.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred thirty-three subjects were included with a mean age of 65.2 years and 803 (60.2%) women. Of 647 initial diagnoses reported, 277 (42.8%) were correct, and the mean diagnostic delay was 14.7 months (range 8.5-34.8). The tumor location was reported in 1,246 subjects and involved the upper eyelid in 780 (62.6%), lower eyelid in 409 (32.8%), and 57 (4.8%) involved both. Overall rates of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality were 15.9%, 12.1%, and 6.2%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in wide local excision (WLE) versus Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid is more common in women, on the upper eyelid, and is frequently misdiagnosed initially. Rate of recurrence, metastasis, and tumor-related mortality were similar in subjects managed with WLE versus MMS.

Bioinformatics analysis of the microRNA-mRNA network in sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid is an uncommon aggressive tumor with a relatively high rate of local recurrence and a poor prognosis following metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SGC remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to clarify microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in SGC and to explore novel miRNA-mRNA networks of SGC. A small RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed between SGC and sebaceous adenoma control samples. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal biological functions, canonical pathways and molecular interaction networks using integrated miRNA-mRNA datasets, including mRNA expression profiles of SGC from our previous study. The present results demonstrated that 16 upregulated miRNAs and 516 downregulated mRNAs were associated with loss of lipid metabolism function and enriched in cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. By contrast, 29 downregulated miRNAs and 194 upregulated mRNAs were mainly associated with the promotion of cell survival and proliferation in addition to enrichment of DNA damage-induced cell cycle-regulation pathways. Furthermore, network analyses revealed that the upregulated miRNAs, miR-130a-3p and miR-939-5p, and the downregulated miRNAs, miR-146a-5p, miR-149-3p, miR-193a-3p, miR-195-5p and miR-4671-3p, could be upstream regulators related to these functional changes of SGC. These results improved the understanding of molecular mechanisms of SGC and may help to improve the diagnosis of SGC.

Dermoscopic features and differential diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare malignant skin neoplasm arising from sebaceous glands. Its clinical diagnosis is difficult and reports of dermoscopic findings have been limited. This study aims to analyze its dermoscopic features and differential diagnosis in dermoscopic examination. The study included patients diagnosed with histologically proven sebaceous carcinomas as well as diagnosed cases of sebaceous hyperplasia, sebaceoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma for comparison of dermoscopic findings. The dermoscopic criterion of presence of sebaceous carcinoma was scored only if the two evaluators reached a consensus. Fifteen cases of histologically diagnosed sebaceous carcinoma were included in our study. All cases were extraocular sebaceous carcinoma. A total of 60 (15 basal cell carcinomas, 15 squamous cell carcinomas, 15 sebaceous hyperplasias and 15 sebaceomas) cases were collected for comparing dermoscopic features with sebaceous carcinoma. In dermoscopic analysis of sebaceous carcinoma, the majority of tumors (66.67%) presented polymorphic vessel pattern. Other features included whitish-pink areas (80%), yellowish structures (73.33%) and yellowish structureless areas (60%). Yellowish structures in sebaceous carcinomas are the main dermoscopic findings to differentiate squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas (P < 0.001), whereas purplish globules, shiny white blotches and strands and whitish-pink area distinguish sebaceous carcinomas from other sebaceous tumors (P < 0.05).

CDKN2A, CDK1, and CCNE1 overexpression in sebaceous gland carcinoma of eyelid

PURPOSE

To investigate the overexpression of genes in sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) of the eyelid compared to sebaceous adenoma of the eyelid in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying pathogenesis.

METHODS

We performed histopathological examination of eyelid tissues surgically removed from four patients diagnosed with SGC (cases 1-3) and sebaceous adenoma (case 4) of the eyelid. Next, we performed global gene expression analysis of surgical tissue samples using a GeneChip^® system and the Ingenuity Pathways Knowledge Base. The results of the GeneChip^® analysis were explored with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis.

RESULTS

In the SGC samples, we found that 211, 199, and 199 genes, respectively, showed ≥ 2.0-fold higher expression than those in the sebaceous adenoma sample (case 4); 194 genes were common to all three SGC samples. For the 194 genes with upregulated expression, functional category analysis showed that SGC of the eyelid employed a unique gene network, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and cyclin E1 (CCNE1), which are related to cell cycle progression, incidence of tumor, and cell viability. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of CDKN2A, CDK1, and CCNE1 were significantly upregulated in all SGC cases compared to those in the sebaceous adenoma case. These data were similar to the results of microarray analysis.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of cell cycle-related genes CDKN2A, CDK1, CCNE1, and their gene network may help elucidate the pathogenic pathway of SGC of the eyelid at the molecular level.

Nasal Sebaceous Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sebaceous carcinoma arising from the nasal vestibule is exceedingly rare, with 3 cases previously reported. We have described the case of a 69-year-old man with an indolent exophytic growth on the medial aspect of his right nasal vestibule. Incisional biopsy demonstrated sebaceous carcinoma. The clinical and pathologic features, in addition to the surgical course and the postoperative outcome, are discussed. We also report our findings from a review of the reported data, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of this rare skin malignancy.

Dermoscopy of Melanoma and Non-melanoma Skin Cancers

Dermoscopy is a widely used non-invasive technique for diagnosing skin tumors. In melanocytic tumors, e.g., melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the effectiveness of dermoscopic examination has been fully established over the past two decades. Moreover, dermoscopy has been used to diagnose non-melanocytic tumors. Here, we review novel findings from recent reports concerning dermoscopy of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers including BCC, sebaceous carcinoma, actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), and angiosarcoma.

An unusual case of idiopathic calcinosis of the eyelid

Idiopathic subepidermal calcinosis, also known as idiopathic calcinosis cutis, is a rare condition, which typically presents as a small, hard, subepithelial mass in the absence of systemic disease and trauma. We report on an atypical case of idiopathic calcinosis, which appeared in an otherwise healthy 61-year-old female along the tarsus of her right upper eyelid. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate idiopathic calcinosis in an unusual location that is deep to the dermis and to discuss the vast differential diagnosis of this entity.

Analysis of hedgehog signaling in periocular sebaceous carcinoma

PURPOSE

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a clinical masquerader of benign conditions resulting in significant eye morbidity, sometimes leading to extensive surgical treatment including exenteration, and even mortality. Little is known about the genetic or molecular basis of SC. This study identifies the involvement of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in periocular SC.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with periocular SC patients were compared to 15 patients with eyelid nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC; a known Hh tumor), alongside four normal individuals as a control for physiological Hh expression. Expression of Patched 1 (PTCH1), Smoothened (SMO), and glioma-associated zinc transcription factors (Gli1 and Gli2) were assessed in histological sections using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. Antibody specificity was verified using Western-blot analysis of a Gli1 over-expressed cancer cell line, LNCaP-Gli1. Semi-quantification compared tumors and control tissue using IF analysis by ImageJ software.

RESULTS

Expression of the Hh pathway was observed in SC for all four major components of the pathway. PTCH1, SMO, and Gli2 were more significantly upregulated in SC (P < 0.01) compared to nBCC. Stromal expression of PTCH1 and Gli2 was observed in SC (P < 0.01). In contrast, stromal expression of these proteins in nBCC was similar or down-regulated compared to physiological Hh controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hh signaling pathway is significantly more upregulated in periocular SC compared to nBCC, a known aberrant Hh pathway tumor. Furthermore, the stroma of the SC demonstrated Hh upregulation, in particular Gli2, compared to nBCC. Targeting of this pathway may be a potential treatment strategy for SC.

Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma accompanied by invasive squamous cell carcinoma: The first case report and consideration of histogenesis

A 61-year-old man presented with a dome-shaped nodule, 1.2 cm in size, with a central crater covered by keratinous material near the left lateral malleolus. Histological findings demonstrated a basophilic circular cone in the center, surrounded and sharply demarcated by a broad eosinophilic area. The central conical mass was composed mainly of atypical basaloid cells intermingled with scattered atypical sebaceous cells with scalloped nuclei and microvesicular cytoplasms, suggesting sebaceous carcinoma. The peripheral area consisted of atypical keratinizing squamoid cells without sebaceous cells, suggesting invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Atypical sebaceous cells were positive for adipophilin. Atypical basaloid cells were positive for 34βE12 and CAM5.2. Peripheral squamoid cells were positive for 34βB4 and 34βE12 throughout, and were positive for LHP1 in the superficial layer. We herein describe the first case of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma accompanied by invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which might have arisen from biphasic differentiation of cancer stem cells.

Dermoscopic features distinctive for extraocular sebaceous carcinoma

We examined dermoscopic features of three cases of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma and reviewed the literatures. The yellowish structures, polymorphous vessels and ulceration were common findings in our cases and all cases of the previous reports. The appearance of whitish-pink areas has not been described previously. Our results suggested that the combination of four dermoscopic features, whitish-pink areas, yellowish structures, polymorphous vessels and ulceration might be distinctive in extraocular sebaceous carcinoma.

Incidence and Clinical Features of Rare Cutaneous Malignancies in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2000 to 2010

BACKGROUND

The incidence of rare cutaneous malignancies is unknown. Current estimates of rare cutaneous malignancy incidences are based on broad epidemiologic data or single institution experiences, not population-based data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of several rare nonmelanoma skin cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of a population-based cohort between the years 2000 and 2010. Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who were diagnosed with a biopsy-proven nonmelanoma skin cancer-excluding basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma-were included in this study. The primary outcome was tumor incidence. Additionally, the authors extracted patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted incidences per 100,000 persons of multiple rare cutaneous malignancies were: atypical fibroxanthoma (1.8), sebaceous carcinoma (0.8), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (0.4), microcystic adnexal carcinoma (0.7), eccrine carcinoma (0.4), eccrine porocarcinoma (0.2), and leiomyosarcoma (0.2).

CONCLUSION

The authors report population-based incidences and clinical characteristics for these rare cutaneous malignancies. The immune status and smoking status of patients and the treatment and outcomes of these tumors are reported. Additional studies in a broader population are needed to further define the epidemiology and outcomes of these malignancies.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid

BACKGROUND

Periocular sebaceous carcinoma (PSC) is a rare but aggressive neoplasm that tends to clinically and histopathologically mimic other conditions. PSC can be challenging to diagnose using histomorphology alone given its overlap with 2 more common tumors that occur in this area (basal cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]). Use of immunohistochemistry can help resolve this differential diagnosis.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed, focusing on the epidemiology, morphology, and immunohistochemical features of PSC.

RESULTS

The most useful immunostains in the differential diagnosis of PSC are epithelial membrane antigen, Ber-Ep4, androgen receptor (AR), and adipophilin. To discern PSC from BCC, one should use EMA, Ber-Ep4, AR, and adipophilin, whereas discerning PSC from SCC can be achieved by evaluating AR and adipophilin. In addition, p53 and ERBB2 (formally known as HER2/neu) are other potentially useful immunohistochemical markers for the differential diagnosis of PSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of new immunohistochemical techniques, as well as the elucidation of molecular alterations, such as the presence of ERBB2 amplification, will advance our understanding of PSC.

Parotid Sebaceous Carcinoma in Patient with Muir Torre Syndrome, Caused by MSH2 Mutation

Sebaceous carcinoma of parotid gland are extremely rare with only 29 cases reported so far. The development of parotid sebaceous carcinoma in association with mutation in the mismatch repair gene that causes Muir Torre Syndrome (MTS), a subset of Lynch Syndrome, is still unclear. This study describes such a case and reviews the literature to see if an association between parotid sebaceous carcinoma and multiple visceral malignancies seen in Lynch Syndrome has ever been described. MTS represents a small subset of the Hereditary Non Polyposis Colorectal Carcinoma family, thought to be a subtype of Lynch Syndrome, where patients are prone to develop multiple visceral cancers involving gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract along with sebaceous and non-sebaceous tumours of the skin. MTS is a rare hereditary, autosomal dominant cancer syndrome caused by Microsatellite Instability and defect in DNA mismatch repair protein. The germline mutation involves mostly hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes. In MTS the skin of the head and neck area with the periocular region in particular, is affected but sebaceous carcinomas of the parotid associated with visceral malignancies has not yet been reported in literature. Here we report an index case of sebaceous carcinoma of parotid gland in a patient with MTS.

Metastatic sebaceous cell carcinoma, review of the literature and use of electrochemotherapy as possible new treatment modality

Background

Metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma is a rare event that could involve the head and neck. The treatment of choice for the initial stage of the disease is surgery and/or radiotherapy. The treatment of recurrent or advanced disease is still controversial.

Material and methods

Extensive literature search was done, and the treatment options are discussed.

Results

Results. The literature search found several treatment modalities in use for the treatment of metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma. Electrochemotherapy was not included in the reported treatments. We used this technique for a man of 85 years old with a recurrent and locally metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma of the scalp. During the period of 8 months, two sessions of electrochemotherapy were employed, which resulted in an objective response of the tumour and good quality of life.

Conclusions

Electrochemotherapy has shown to be a interesting tools for treatment of metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma when other radical options are not available or convenient.

Lrig1 Expression in Human Sebaceous Gland Tumors

Background

Sebaceous glands contribute significantly to the barrier functions of the skin. However, little is known about their homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Recently, increased expression of stem cell marker Lrig1 has been reported in sebaceous carcinoma-like tumors of K14ΔNLef1 transgenic mice. In this study, we analyzed the Lrig1 expression in human sebaceous tumors.

Methods

Twenty-eight formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sebaceous tumor specimens (7 sebaceous hyperplasias, 7 sebaceous adenomas, 10 sebaceomas and 4 sebaceous carcinomas) were stained with anti-Lrig1, anti-CD44v3 and anti-Ki67 antibody.

Results

Four (100%) sebaceous carcinomas, 8 (80%) sebaceomas, 3 (43%) sebaceous adenomas and no sebaceous hyperplasia showed Lrig1 overexpression.

Discussion and Conclusion

Lrig1 is a known tumor suppressor gene and is usually considered to be an indicator of poorly aggressive tumors. In human sebaceous tumors, the stronger Lrig1 staining in sebaceous carcinoma compared to other sebaceous tumors might be a feature of an advanced stage in tumorigenesis and a bad prognosis. In our study, 100% of sebaceous carcinomas revealed Lrig1 overexpression. We propose that Lrig1 may be used as a possible new marker of poorly differentiated sebaceous carcinoma.

Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma of the Lower Eyelid Reconstructed with a Composite Flap: A Case Report

Sebaceous gland carcinomas are skin adnexal tumours occurring in the periocular region of elderly females. It is an uncommon malignancy usually involving the upper eyelid and has an indolent course. Mainstay of treatment is surgical excision. Here we present a case of a sebaceous gland carcinoma of the lower eyelid for which wide local excision was done and the lower eyelid reconstructed using a composite flap of nasal chondromucosal graft with a nasolabial flap.

Increased gene copy number of HER2 and concordant protein overexpression found in a subset of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma indicate HER2 as a potential therapeutic target

PURPOSE

To identify crucial molecular alterations of receptor tyrosine kinases that can be used as potential therapeutic targets for eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SbGC).

METHODS

The expression levels of HER2, EGFR, C-MET, and FGFR1 were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The copy numbers of the HER2, EGFR, C-MET, and FGFR1 genes were assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The IHC and molecular results were correlated with the clinical parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients with eyelid SbGC were included in this study. HER2, EGFR, C-MET, and FGFR1 protein expression was detected in 8 of 44 (16.3 %), 8 of 45 (17.8 %), 3 of 35 (8.6 %), and 0 of 45 patient samples, respectively. Increased copy numbers of the HER2 gene were found in 5 of 42 patient samples (11.9 %), including two with amplification (4.7 %) and three with polysomy (7.2 %). EGFR amplification was found in 2 of 33 (6.1 %) and FGFR1 amplification in 4 of 33 patient samples (12.1 %; high-level amplification in one and low-level amplification in three). None of the samples examined exhibited C-MET amplification. Gene copy number of the HER2 gene was correlated with its protein expression (p < 0.0001), whereas copy number of EGFR, C-MET, or FGFR1 was not correlated with protein expression. However, samples with EGFR amplification also exhibited a high level of expression of this protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Extra copies of the HER2, EGFR, and FGFR1 genes were identified in a 6-12 % of eyelid SbGCs. A high level of concordant HER2 expression detected by immunohistochemistry can be predictive of a copy number gain of the HER2 gene. Our data suggest that the therapeutic targeting of HER2 might benefit for a subset of patients with periocular SbGCs.

Expression of retinoic acid-binding proteins and retinoic acid receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids

Background

Sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid is a malignant tumor. However, the pathoetiology of sebaceous cell carcinoma is not clear. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is essential for skin epidermal differentiation including the eyelids. In this study, we investigate the expression of β-catenin, RA-binding proteins and RA receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid and try to estimate their influence on its pathoetiology.

Methods

Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive interventional case series. Sixteen cases of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma who received tumor excision at our hospital between 2001 and 2011 were included. Immunohistochemical staining for β-catenin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1), cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2), fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), retinoic acid receptors (RAR-α, −β, −γ), and retinoid X receptors (RXR-α, −β, −γ) was performed on tissue samples obtained from tumor excision.

Results

Of the 16 sebaceous cell carcinoma cases reviewed, six were male and 10 female. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 ± 3.66 years (range, 0.3–13 years). Of these 16 cases, the expression of β-catenin was significantly increased in sebaceous cell carcinoma cases. CRABP1 was similarly expressed in the sebaceous cell carcinoma and control groups. CRABP2 and FABP5 were expressed in hair follicles of lid skin in both groups, whereas the CRABP2 and FABP5 were aberrantly expressed in the tumor cells of the sebaceous glands. Notably, the expression of retinoic acid receptor (RAR-β) and retinoid X receptors (RXR-β, −γ) was significantly upregulated in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that retinoic acid signaling is related to the pathogenesis of sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Ocular Region: The 2014 Professor Winifred Mao Lecture

Sebaceous carcinoma is a malignancy arising in the periocular region that can lead to blindness and tumor-related metastases. This study is a review of published literature and personal experience. This malignancy can arise from the sebaceous units in the tarsus (meibomian glands), in association with the cilia (Zeis glands), in the brow, and in the caruncle. There is a tendency for diffuse intraepithelial growth (pagetoid spread) that can be clinically invisible. Detection before lymph node metastasis is critical. This malignancy often masquerades as chronic unilateral conjunctivitis or blepharitis, typically in older patients. Management includes a 2-step approach with step 1 focused on eyelid and conjunctival map biopsies to determine the full extent of solid deep tumor and pagetoid spread. After complete review of all biopsies, step 2 is performed using local resection for all deep tumor, cryotherapy to pagetoid disease, and reconstruction. In most cases, the posterior lamella of eyelid is sacrificed with tumor removal, whereas the anterior lamella of the eyelid can be saved. After removal and cryotherapy, immediate reconstruction, using clean instruments, with buccal membrane graft for the posterior lamella and skin flap for the anterior lamella, is developed. For persistent or recurrent pagetoid disease, cryotherapy, topical mitomycin C, or plaque radiotherapy is provided. Exenteration is sometimes necessary. Sebaceous carcinoma, if detected early, can be managed with carefully planned map biopsy to determine tumor extent, followed by local resection, cryotherapy, and eyelid reconstruction. Orbital exenteration is occasionally necessary.

Sebaceous carcinoma: review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma is an uncommon adnexal neoplasm with a documented capability for regional and distant metastasis. Traditionally, sebaceous carcinoma has been associated with high rates of recurrence after excision.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature on sebaceous carcinoma and detail its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathology, diagnostic workup, treatment, and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature review using PubMed search for articles related to sebaceous carcinoma.

RESULTS

Sebaceous carcinoma typically presents as a painless pink or yellow nodule. Diagnosis requires histopathologic examination, and immunohistochemical analysis often assists in the differentiation of sebaceous carcinoma from other benign and malignant skin neoplasms. Sebaceous carcinoma should prompt a workup for Muir-Torre syndrome. Periorbital sebaceous carcinoma has an increased tendency for regional metastasis, although cancer-specific mortality rates are similar among all anatomic locations.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is the preferred treatment for local disease. Limited data suggest that Mohs micrographic surgery may provide superior clinical outcomes, but more research is needed regarding the long-term outcomes. Radiation and systemic chemotherapy are reserved for recurrent or metastatic disease.

Muir-Torre Syndrome

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare autosomal-dominant genodermatosis characterized by sebaceous neoplasms and one or more visceral malignancies. Sebaceous tumors include sebaceous adenoma and carcinoma, which may be solitary or multiple. Visceral malignancies most often arise in the colorectum and endometrium. Because a subset of patients with phenotypic MTS will have germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes hMSH2 and hMLH1, MTS is considered a phenotypic subtype of Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome), in which inherited defects in DNA mismatch repair genes result in microsatellite instability. Pathologists have an important role in the early detection and initial diagnosis of MTS: identification of at-risk individuals allows appropriate screening and surveillance for visceral malignancies, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic features of MTS.

Excision and delayed reconstruction with paraffin section histopathological analysis for periocular sebaceous carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of excision and delayed reconstruction with rapid paraffin section analysis in patients with sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the periocular region.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with SC. Patients were identified from a contemporaneously maintained database and medical notes reviewed. Data were collected on known risk factors. Standard management started with conjunctival mapping biopsies. The tumor was excised with a 3-mm clinical margin and sent in formalin for histopathological analysis. The patient went home with dressings and returned 3 days later. Further excision or reconstruction was performed as indicated. Follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had excision and delayed reconstruction with paraffin section control. Ten had clear margins after 1 excision, and 7 were clear after 2 excisions. Reconstructive technique varied according to the defect. Three patients developed further tumor. One of these had a local recurrence treated with further excision and reconstruction. One developed a multicentric tumor with regional metastasis, and the third patient developed distant metastasis. Two patients died from SC. Average follow up was 5 years (2-9 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Excision and delayed reconstruction using paraffin section histopathological analysis are in widespread use for the management of basal cell carcinomas in the periocular region. While some authors advocate the use of Mohs' micrographic surgery in patients with SC, this technique has been questioned due to the possible misinterpretation of subtle intraepithelial pagetoid spread with frozen section analysis. To preserve the function of the eyelid and ease of reconstruction, it is important to try and preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while effecting a successful excision. Excision and delayed reconstruction offer an excellent option for the management of this rare and highly malignant tumor.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the suprapubic area in a liver transplant recipient

Sebaceous carcinoma is a very rare and potentially aggressive carcinoma originating from the epithelial lining of the sebaceous gland. More than 70% of all cases are in the head and neck region, especially the periorbita; therefore, they are classified into ocular and extraocular sebaceous carcinoma. The reported risk factors are advanced age, male sex, previous irradiation, and genetic predisposition for Muir-Torre syndrome. The current case is of sebaceous carcinoma found in the suprapubic area of a 67-year-old male patient who had received liver transplantation 6 years before, and had been receiving oral tacrolimus. Examination of the gastrointestinal system did not reveal any other malignancies. Although nonmelanoma skin cancers may occur as a complication after liver transplantation, there have been no previous reports of sebaceous carcinoma after liver transplantation. Furthermore, the sebaceous carcinoma in this case occurred in an uncommon location. We report this case along with a review of the literature.

Long-Term Remission of an Aggressive Sebaceous Carcinoma following Chemotherapy

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon neoplasm manifesting itself either in the eyelid or extraocularly in the head and neck area. Surgery is the standard of care. Irradiation is rarely proposed as monotherapy but is frequently administered as an adjuvant regimen following surgical resection. There is no known strategy concerning chemotherapeutic treatment in highly aggressive recurrent - or metastatic - forms of the disease. Our patient presented with an aggressive SC of the scalp recurring after multiple excisions and local radiotherapy. Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin and docetaxel was then initiated; 4 cycles were administered, followed by capecitabine maintenance. Shortly after starting chemotherapy, dermal lesions had completely disappeared and radiological response could be seen. The patient experienced an extended period (>20 months) of complete remission. In this report, we show an excellent response of a highly aggressive SC after a combination of chemotherapy as for head and neck cancers.

Characteristics of sebaceous carcinoma and early outcomes of treatment using Mohs micrographic surgery versus wide local excision: an update of the Mayo Clinic experience over the past 2 decades

BACKGROUND

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize SC and treatment approaches and outcomes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with SC from 1992 through 2012. Recurrence-free survival was estimated and compared between groups.

RESULTS

We identified 52 patients with SC (39, 75.0% male). Mean age ± standard deviation at diagnosis was 72.7 ± 10.8. Forty-nine patients (94.2%) were white. Twenty-one (of 29 with known status) had a diagnosis of Muir-Torre syndrome. Six had multiple primary SCs (total of 73 SCs in 52 patients). The most common locations for SC were the back (20.5%), cheek (13.7%), nose (11.0%), and eye (9.6%). Treatment was recorded for 70 SCs; 35 (50.0%) were treated using Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and 26 (37.1%) using wide local excision (WLE). Of the 45 patients (66 SCs) with clinical follow-up, three (6.7% of patients; 4.8% of SCs) had documented recurrence.

CONCLUSION

MMS and WLE are effective treatments for SC. Further research is warranted to determine whether one treatment is more efficacious than the other.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of malignancy in humans. The incidence of NMSC continues to increase despite increased awareness and sun-protective measures. If neglected or mismanaged, NMSC can cause significant morbidity and even death. The most common forms of NMSC on the head and neck include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, eccrine porocarcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, and microcystic adnexal carcinoma. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment (standard excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage); however, other modalities exist, including radiation, topical immunomodulators, photodynamic therapy, and new systemic medications.

Muir-Torre syndrome in a haemodialysis patient

Muir–Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare inherited cancer syndrome with variable penetrance. MTS follows an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance, and is a subtype of Lynch syndrome [formally known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)]. MTS is caused by mutations in one of several mismatch repair genes. Patients typically present with sebaceous neoplasms (sebaceous adenoma, sebaceous epithelioma, or sebaceous carcinoma) or with multiple keratoacanthomas. These patients also have an increased lifetime risk of visceral malignancies, typically affecting the colon, ovary, endometrium, genitourinary tract and small bowel. We describe a case of MTS in a haemodialysis patient and implications for transplant listing.

Multifocal metastasizing extra-ocular facial sebaceous carcinoma as diagnostic challenge: case report and systematic review

PURPOSE

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare adnexal tumor. Extra-ocular, facial SC is very uncommon and local metastases are an extreme rare finding. A respective case is presented and discussed together with the current literature.

CASE AND REVIEW

A tumor of the left ear of an 87-old male was primary excised together with multiple suspicious lesions of the head and neck. Most specimens were histopathologically rated as squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Despite the in-sano resection, additional new suspicious retro-auricular and temporal lesions were detected. Successive resections were diagnosed as basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and, because of a non-in-sano resection in a third approach, as SC. After reappraisal and immunhistochemical staining [epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CK 5-6 and CD 15], most of the former specimens turned out to be SC as well. A literature search showed 3 reported cases of extra-ocular head and neck SC with cutaneous local metastases. In another review, in a total of 168 cases, SC was diagnosed after wrong initial histological diagnosis (SCC n = 56, BCC n = 44; other entity or precursors of carcinomas n = 68).

CONCLUSION

Due to inconsistent histologic patterns, histopathological misdiagnosis of the uncommon facial SC and its metastases may complicate further therapy, prolong treatment and may lead to a worse prognosis of this neoplasm. A close interdisciplinary collaboration of clinician, surgeon and pathologist is of most relevance for the right diagnosis.

c-MYC-induced sebaceous gland differentiation is controlled by an androgen receptor/p53 axis

Although the sebaceous gland (SG) plays an important role in skin function, the mechanisms regulating SG differentiation and carcinoma formation are poorly understood. We previously reported that c-MYC overexpression stimulates SG differentiation. We now demonstrate roles for the androgen receptor (AR) and p53. MYC-induced SG differentiation was reduced in mice lacking a functional AR. High levels of MYC triggered a p53-dependent DNA damage response, leading to accumulation of proliferative SG progenitors and inhibition of AR signaling. Conversely, testosterone treatment or p53 deletion activated AR signaling and restored MYC-induced differentiation. Poorly differentiated human sebaceous carcinomas exhibited high p53 and low AR expression. Thus, the consequences of overactivating MYC in the SG depend on whether AR or p53 is activated, as they form a regulatory axis controlling proliferation and differentiation.

Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma: a report of 2 cases

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare, aggressive adnexal tumor of unknown etiology; 75% of these tumors arise in the periocular region while 25% arise at extraocular sites. This cutaneous tumor is a diagnostic sign of Muir-Torre syndrome, a disorder associated with visceral malignancies and gene abnormalities. Patients with sebaceous carcinoma should therefore be carefully evaluated; a detailed personal and family history of cancer, a thorough physical examination, additional tests where appropriate, and close monitoring will all be required. We report 2 cases of extraocular sebaceous carcinoma and review the literature, focusing on the association between sebaceous carcinoma and Muir-Torre syndrome.

p53 staining correlates with tumor type and location in sebaceous neoplasms

Sebaceous neoplasms are commonly considered in their relationship to the Muir-Torre syndrome and the now well-documented loss of DNA mismatch repair proteins leading to microsatellite instability. However, sebaceous neoplasms showing microsatellite instability comprise only a subset of this group of tumors, and thus, alternative tumorigenic mechanisms must exist. This article explores the relationship of p53, a tumor suppressor implicated in other cutaneous malignancies, and sebaceous neoplasia. We examined 94 sebaceous tumors from 92 patients. Tumors with strong nuclear p53 staining were significantly associated with the diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma compared with benign sebaceous lesions, most notably for periocular carcinomas. Importantly, nuclear mismatch repair protein expression was intact in all lesions showing p53 alterations, suggesting that p53 dysfunction may represent a divergent pathway in the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors.

Identification of novel target proteins in sebaceous gland carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify new target proteins in sebaceous gland carcinoma.

METHODS

A tissue microarray containing 115 core biopsies was constructed and stained for proteins involved in carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and cell-to-cell contact. Two investigators independently determined protein expression of all antibodies.

RESULTS

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and beta (PDGFR-α/-β), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (Cox-1/-2), myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), CD9, Bmi-1, 14-3-3σ, glutathione S-transferase pi (Gstπ), and members of the sonic hedgehog (SHH), AKT, and WNT pathways were significantly overexpressed in sebaceous gland carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated for the first time that proteins related to angiogenesis, inflammation, and cell proliferation are overexpressed in sebaceous gland carcinomas. These proteins may hold promise as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of sebaceous gland carcinoma.