Sebaceous carcinoma is the second most frequent malignancy after basal cell carcinoma, affecting the eyelids in Singapore. From 1956 to 1985 25 cases were reported, the pathological slides of which were all reviewed. Most of the tumours arise from the upper eyelids--18/25, (72%). There were 8/25 (30%) with lymph node metastases; 3/25 (12%) died with metastatic disease and one case required exenteration of the orbit.