Sebaceous carcinoma of the skin of the breast: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Sebaceous gland tumours are rare and their presence should be considered as a marker for Muir-Torre Syndrome, alerting to search for an occult malignancy.

Case presentation: A 43-year-old Caucasian female patient underwent excision of a sebaceous cyst. Histopathology confirmed a sebaceous carcinoma. Further investigations revealed multiple intra-abdominal malignancies. She has been under regular follow-up in the relevant clinics.

Conclusion: Sebaceous carcinoma should be excised completely and followed-up for the detection of possible metastases. Surgical removal of primary or metastatic cancers may be curative and should be attempted wherever possible. It is very important for clinicians not to miss such skin lesions as they may precede the presentation of internal malignancies.

Figure 1

Sebaceous carcinoma showing multivacuolated cells with clear cytoplasm and indented nuclei as evidence of sebaceous differentiation.