Clinical Outcomes in Sebaceous Carcinoma: A Retrospective Two-Center Cohort Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare, potentially recurrent, and life-threatening cutaneous malignancy that can be associated with Muir–Torre syndrome (MTS), a DNA mismatch repair-driven genodermatosis. Earlier studies examining factors associated with recurrence have focused on periocular tumors only. OBJECTIVE Examine outcomes of SC and identify factors associated with recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study from 2 tertiary care centers. RESULTS Sixty-seven cases from 63 patients were identified, including 7 cases of MTS and 13 arising in the context of immunosuppression. Fifty-five cases (82.1%) were treated with complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment (CCPDMA) methods. Five recurrences developed during the postoperative period. On univariate analysis, periocular location (odds ratio [OR] 7.6, p = .0410), and lesion size ≥2 cm (OR 9.6, p = .005) were associated with recurrence, whereas CCPDMA (OR 0.052, p = .0006) was inversely associated with recurrence. On multivariate analysis, only lesion size ≥2 cm (OR 9.6, p = .0233) and CCPDMA approaches (OR 0.052, p = .007) were significant. CONCLUSION Non–complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment methods and large lesion size were independent risk factors predicting recurrence, whereas anatomic subtype and MTS status were not. These findings can assist in identifying SC cases that may benefit from more aggressive treatment and closer surveillance.