Sebaceous Carcinoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare skin cancer that develops in the oil glands of the skin. It most commonly affects the eyelids, where it typically appears as a painless lump or area of thickened skin.
When it occurs elsewhere on the body, it may manifest as a bump that bleeds or develops a scab.
This aggressive cancer can grow rapidly and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Sebaceous carcinoma symptoms differ depending on location. This cancer most commonly affects the eyelid.
If the cancer appears on the eyelid, you might notice:
- A small lump on the upper eyelid that doesn’t cause pain
- A pink, red-brown, or yellow-colored bump
- Thickening of the eyelid skin
- Eyelid irritation and swelling
When sebaceous carcinoma develops elsewhere on the body (extraocular sebaceous carcinoma), symptoms include:
- A skin lump
- A growth that appears yellow, tan, dark brown, or copper-colored (color may vary based on your skin tone)
- A bump that forms on the head, neck, trunk, arms, or legs
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice any concerning skin changes or symptoms that worry you. Early detection is important for successful treatment.
Causes
Sebaceous carcinoma develops from cells in the skin’s oil glands. Often, doctors can’t determine exactly why this cancer forms in some people.
The root of this cancer lies in DNA changes within sebaceous gland cells. DNA contains the instructions that control how cells behave.
In normal cells, DNA directs:
- When to grow
- How quickly to multiply
- When to die
When DNA becomes damaged or altered in sebaceous gland cells, these instructions change. The affected cells begin to:
- Grow rapidly
- Multiply excessively
- Survive when they should naturally die
This abnormal growth pattern creates a buildup of cells that eventually forms a tumor or lump on the skin. Unlike healthy cells that follow orderly growth patterns, these cancer cells continue to increase in number without the normal controls.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing sebaceous carcinoma:
Compromised Immune Function: People with weakened immune systems face a higher risk. This includes those taking immunosuppressive medications after organ transplants or individuals with conditions like HIV.
Previous Radiation Treatment: Those who have undergone radiation therapy for other cancers may develop sebaceous carcinoma at higher rates.
Age: This cancer occurs most frequently in people over 60 years old.
Genetic Conditions: Inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and Muir-Torre syndrome are linked to an increased risk of sebaceous carcinoma.
Currently, there are no known prevention methods for sebaceous carcinoma.
