Aggressive sebaceous carcinoma of the scalp: a case report and literature review

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon and potentially aggressive adnexal neoplasm. SC presents most often as a periocular tumor arising from the ocular adnexa with unclear pathogenesis. Aggressive SC of the scalp is extremely rare. Here, we describe a rare case of aggressive SC of the scalp in a 61-year-old female, who presented with a scalp neoplasm lasting for two months. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a partly necrotic and cystic tumor with mixed signal shadow. The parietal multiple destructive lesions invaded the skull, involved the dura mater, and compressed the associated superior sagittal sinus. A wide local lesion excision with I stage repair of dura mater and I stage bone graft of skull was performed in our department. The patient was treated with external radiation to prevent recurrence and was followed for 3 years with favorable results. The relevant literature regarding aggressive SC was reviewed, and the clinical manifestations, radiological characteristics, surgical strategies, histopathological findings, and prognosis are discussed. This cutaneous malignancy invaded skull, dura mater or brain, or metastasized to the lymph nodes and viscera, with high recurrence and fatality rates. It is necessary to be aware of these rare examples which showed unexpectedly clinical behaviors. Early precise diagnosis and improved radical treatment remain essential steps against aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Patients with aggressive SC of the scalp should be closely followed to assess recurrence and distant metastasis.