Sebaceous Carcinoma
Arises from oil glands, most often on the eyelid. Frequently misdiagnosed as a chalazion or stye.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal eyelid
No persistent bumps
Possible SC
Firm yellow bump on eyelid
Sebaceous carcinoma originates in the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin. It most commonly develops on the eyelid (about 75% of cases), where it arises from the Meibomian glands or glands of Zeis. It can also appear on the face, scalp, trunk, or genitals.
On the eyelid, sebaceous carcinoma typically presents as a firm, painless, slowly growing yellow or pink nodule - making it easily mistaken for a chalazion (stye), blepharitis, or chronic conjunctivitis. This frequent misdiagnosis often leads to delays of months to years before the correct diagnosis is made.
Sebaceous carcinoma is considered moderately aggressive. It can invade locally, spread via the lymphatic system, and in some cases metastasize to distant organs. The periocular form carries a mortality rate of approximately 5-10% with appropriate treatment, though delayed diagnosis worsens outcomes.
Muir-Torre syndrome, a genetic condition associated with Lynch syndrome, predisposes to sebaceous carcinoma and should be considered in younger patients or those with multiple sebaceous tumors.
Quick self-check
Does this look like sebaceous carcinoma? Answer 2 questions.
Is the bump on or near your eyelid?
Has it been treated as a stye or chalazion but keeps coming back?
Risk factors
- Age over 60
- Previous radiation therapy to the head or face
- Muir-Torre syndrome (Lynch syndrome variant)
- Immunosuppression
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠A painless, firm, yellow or pink bump on the eyelid that does not resolve
- ⚠A chalazion or stye that keeps recurring in the same location
- ⚠Loss of eyelashes in the area around a persistent eyelid bump
Often confused with
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Full ABCDE check →Frequently asked questions
How is sebaceous carcinoma different from a stye?
A stye (chalazion) is a blocked oil gland that typically resolves within weeks to months. Sebaceous carcinoma persists, slowly grows, and may cause eyelash loss in the affected area. Any eyelid bump that does not resolve after treatment or recurs in the same spot should be biopsied.
What is Muir-Torre syndrome?
Muir-Torre syndrome is a genetic condition (a variant of Lynch syndrome) that increases the risk of sebaceous tumors and certain internal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. If you develop sebaceous carcinoma before age 50 or have multiple sebaceous tumors, genetic testing may be recommended.
What are the symptoms of sebaceous carcinoma on the eyelid?
A firm, painless lump on the eyelid that does not go away. It may cause thickening of the eyelid, loss of eyelashes in the area, or a yellowish discoloration. It is often mistaken for a chalazion (stye) that keeps coming back.
What is meibomian cell carcinoma?
Meibomian cell carcinoma is another name for sebaceous carcinoma originating from the meibomian glands of the eyelid. It is the same cancer, just named after the specific gland it arises from.
How is ocular sebaceous carcinoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires a biopsy. If a chalazion-like lump on the eyelid recurs in the same spot or does not respond to treatment, your ophthalmologist should biopsy it to rule out sebaceous carcinoma.
Related conditions
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common cancer in humans. Slow-growing, rarely spreads, but can cause serious tissue damage if untreated.
Epidermoid Cyst
Slow-growing, round, skin-colored lump filled with keratin. Benign but can become painfully infected.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Rare but highly aggressive. Appears as a painless, fast-growing, firm nodule - often flesh-colored or bluish-red.