Sebaceous carcinoma of scalp with proliferating trichilemmal cyst

Abstract

Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare neoplasm of the sebaceous gland. It is diagnosed mainly on histopathology and, clinically, it may mimic other neoplasms like squamous or basal cell carcinoma. We came across a patient presenting with a non-healing ulcer over the left temporo-parietal region of the scalp since 4 years and a single asymptomatic nodule over the occipital region since 3 years. Histopathology from an ulcer was pathognomonic of sebaceous carcinoma and that from a nodule was suggestive of proliferating trichilemmal cyst. The patient was screened for Muir Torre syndrome. We referred the patient to the oncologist for further management, where the patient was advised complete excision of the lesion.

INTRODUCTION

Sebaceous gland carcinoma is one of the rare appendageal tumors.[1] An increased frequency is seen in the Asian population.[2] It is three-times more common in the periocular area than in other sites. Sebaceous carcinoma over the scalp is less frequently reported. We report a case of sebaceous carcinoma over the scalp presenting as a non-healing ulcer and associated with proliferating trichilemmal cyst.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old, married, moderate-built female presented with complaints of a solitary ulcer over the left side of the scalp since 4 years. The ulcer started as a hard swelling over the same site that gradually increased in size and ulcerated over a few months. The ulcer kept increasing in size despite systemic antibiotics and local care. She had no history of weight loss, gastrointestinal complaints, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and recurrent fever. She had no eye complaints.

On examination, a single 6 cm X 6 cm-sized circular ulcer with erythematous indurated base with elevated margin was present over the left temporal and parietal region of the scalp [Figure 1]. Margins were rolled up and the base bled on touch. No significant lymph-adenopathy of cervical or other group of lymph nodes was seen. A nodule of size around 3 cm was present over the occipital region. It was firm to hard in consistency, mobile and adherent to the overlying skin. A presumptive diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or syringomatous carcinoma for the ulcer and a diagnosis of metastasis and trichilemmal cyst was thought for the nodule.

Figure 1.

An ulcer with elevated and rolled-out margin over the scalp and a nodule on the occipital area

On investigation, blood biochemistry showed hemoglobin 10 gm%, total leucocyte count 9100c ells/ml and with normal liver and kidney function tests. Chest and skull radiograph was normal and no abnormality was detected on computed tomography of the brain and ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human immunodeficiency virus and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) tests were negative. Pus culture and sensitivity test from an ulcer showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth with sensitivity to ceftazidime and piperacillin.

Skin biopsy taken from the edge of an ulcer showed invasion of dermis by poorly developed sebaceous lobules and moderate atypia and scalloped nuclei of some cells without peripheral pallisading or retraction spaces and moderately fibrotic stroma, sebaceous ducts at many places and foamy appearance to some cells suggestive of sebaceous carcinoma [Figure 2]. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) staining to differentiate it from sebaceous carcinoma could not be done due to unaffordability of the patient; however, majority of the cells were sebocytes with a few basaloid cells and, thus, on clinicopathologic correlation, a diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma was made. A biopsy from a nodule showed a cystic lesion in the dermis with a wall showing bland squamous proliferation. The wall of the cyst also showed multiple squamous eddies and abrupt trichilemmal keratinization, suggestive of proliferating trichilemmal cyst [Figure 3].

Figure 2.

Biopsy from an ulcer showing atypical sebaceous proliferation in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, 50X and 200X, respectively)

Figure 3.

A cystic lesion in the dermis with trichilemmal keratinization, dyskeratotic cells and squamous eddies in the wall (hematoxylin and eosin, 50X and 200X, respectively)

The patient was referred to an oncologist for further management, where she was advised complete excision of the ulcer.

DISCUSSION

The tumors of sebaceous glands are separated into three major categories: sebaceous adenoma, basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation (sebaceous epithelioma) and sebaceous carcinoma.[1] An increased frequency is seen in the Asian population.[2] It is estimated that approximately 25% of the sebaceous carcinomas occur in extraorbital sites, about 70% of which are in the head and neck region.[2] A tumor of sebaceous glands usually starts as a solitary, erythematous or sometimes pale yellow-colored, firm to hard, slowly growing nodule mainly over the head and neck and, less commonly, over the trunk, which may or may not ulcerate over time. It may also occur at the genitals.[3] It is a rare neoplasm comprising only less than 1% of the skin malignancies. The most common site of sebaceous carcinoma is the eyelids; however, lesions at other sites are not uncommon. It typically presents in old-aged women. It may be associated with Muir-Torre syndrome, which involves multiple low-grade visceral neoplasias with multiple sebaceous gland neoplasm of skin.[4] Our patient was screened for Muir Torre syndrome with colonoscopy, ultrasound examination of abdomen and chest and routine and microscopic urine examination, all of which turned out to be negative. Peri-orbital sebaceous carcinoma is approximately three-times more common than the extraorbital one. Some extraorbital tumors also may show rapid growth, and metastases are reported.[5]

In addition to its varied clinical appearance, a varied histologic appearance may occur, and delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis following a biopsy is not uncommon.[6–8]

Histopathologically, the tumor is composed of multiple irregular sebaceous lobules of various sizes. The cells in the lobules are mainly undifferentiated, showing nuclear atypia and atypical mitotic figures. Necrosis may be also present in the center.[9] With fat stains on frozen sections, the cells are found to contain fine lipid globules. Some mature sebocytes may show multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles and scalloped nuclei. Some large lobules may show atypical keratinization, as seen in squamous cell carcinoma.[3] Tumor cells in sebaceous carcinoma are often large and may show squamoid changes. In this case, it should be differentiated from squamous cell carcinoma with hydropic changes. Sometimes, tumor cells show basaloid differentiation with inconspicuous lipidization, and the tumor must be distinguished from basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation.[10] Immunohistochemical staining for EMA can differentiate sebaceous carcinoma from basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.[11]

Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice.[12] Reported local recurrence rates range from 9 to 36%, with larger series reporting recurrence rates in the range of 30%. Local recurrence tends to occur within 5 years.[13] Metastasis to liver, lungs, bones and brain may occur in 14–25% of the patients.[14,15]

Concurrent occurrence of ulcerated extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma with proliferating trichilemmal cyst in our patient may be a chance finding.