pathology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Sebaceous carcinoma usually involves the dermis. Irregular lobules are seen with a great variation in size. Peripheral cells are undifferentiated and display eosinophilic cytoplasm. There may be lipid droplets within their cytoplasm. Sebaceous-type cells are present within the centre of the lobule.

Cellular invasion is evident and this is particularly clear in sebaceous carcinoma from the eyelids - there may be pagetoid spread of cells into the epidermis.

Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool in diagnosis.