Sebaceous Carcinoma Masquerading As Orbital Cellulitis

Cureus. 2022 Feb 16;14(2):e22288. doi: 10.7759/cureus.22288. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Sebaceous cell carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered cutaneous malignancy. Often considered a great masquerader, sebaceous cell carcinoma arises from meibomian glands and can have a poor prognosis if not diagnosed early. In this case report, we present a patient with sebaceous cell carcinoma who presented to our emergency department with a clinical presentation that was concerning for orbital cellulitis. The patient was initially started on intravenous antibiotics. However, workup, including imaging and laboratory results, pointed toward malignancy as the diagnosis. The patient underwent an incisional biopsy and pathology confirming the diagnosis of sebaceous cell carcinoma. We engaged in further discussion of this peculiar cutaneous masquerader, differential diagnoses, and important considerations.

Keywords: delayed diagnosis; inpatient care; malignancy surgery; medical resident education; orbital cellulitis; sebaceous carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports