Sebaceous Carcinoma vs Basal Cell Carcinoma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Sebaceous Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
Arises from oil glands, most often on the eyelid. Frequently misdiagnosed as a chalazion or stye.
The most common cancer in humans. Slow-growing, rarely spreads, but can cause serious tissue damage if untreated.
Risk factors
Age over 60; Previous radiation therapy to the head or face; Muir-Torre syndrome (Lynch syndrome variant)
Chronic cumulative sun exposure over many years (outdoor workers, sun-seekers); Fair skin, light hair, light eye color (Fitzpatrick types I-III); Age over 50, though increasingly diagnosed in younger adults
Action needed
A painless, firm, yellow or pink bump on the eyelid that does not resolve
A pearly, shiny, or translucent bump - especially with tiny visible blood vessels

Sebaceous Carcinoma

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.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the single most common form of cancer worldwide, with an estimated 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. It arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis.

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Does yours look more like sebaceous carcinoma?

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?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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