A histopathological study of sebaceous neoplasms and related lesions at a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Sebaceous lesions have intrigued pathologists and dermatologist alike causing a great deal of diagnostic confusion. Tumors and tumor like conditions of the sebaceous glands include sebaceous hyperplasia, Nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn, sebaceous adenoma, sebaceoma and sebaceous carcinoma.

Methods: A three-year study of all lesions with sebaceous differentiation was carried out in the histopathology section of a tertiary care hospital to study the spectrum of lesions showing sebaceous differentiation. Patient records were noted, and paraffin embedded sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin were examined for histopathological diagnosis. Clinical correlation was done in all the cases.

Results: The spectrum of lesions encountered included sebaceous carcinoma, Nevus sebaceous, sebaceous hyperplasia, sebaceous adenoma among others. Eyelid was the most common site followed by scalp. Clinicopathological correlation was found to be poor in these lesions with clinical examination failing to correctly identify most of the cases.

Conclusions: Sebaceous neoplasms were seen to be rarer in our population as compared to other adnexal tumors. Histopathology, in the presence of typical features, is the mainstay of diagnosis with immunohistochemistry aiding in certain doubtful cases.