Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma in a young Caucasian man

BACKGROUND: Eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma is rarely observed in young Caucasian men. HISTORY AND SIGNS: A 28-year-old man was referred for a recurring chalazion of the eyelid that had been operated four times in the past two years. The chalazion-like lesion of the external third of the upper left eyelid was associated with a cystic lesion. Cytology of the fluid in the cyst and histology of the lesion were compatible with a sebaceous cell carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the cystic lesion associated with the eyelid tumour was extending into the orbit. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: According to current clinical practice and experience, to increase the chance of survival of the patient, an orbital exenteration was conducted to remove the sebaceous cell carcinoma in total. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, one should be aware that an eyelid sebaceous cell carcinoma can occur in a young Caucasian man and this diagnosis should be evoked in case of a recurrent chalazion.