Sebaceous gland carcinoma

BACKGROUND Second primary malignancies are common after bilateral retinoblastoma; their estimated incidence has been as high as 51% 50 years after diagnosis. Fifteen patients who developed sebaceous gland carcinoma after radiation therapy have been reported in the literature, five of whom were treated for bilateral retinoblastoma. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated for bilateral retinoblastoma at Duke University Medical Center who later developed sebaceous gland carcinoma. RESULTS This article reports two patients who developed sebaceous gland carcinoma after radiation therapy for bilateral retinoblastoma. CONCLUSIONS Delay in diagnosis is often associated with sebaceous gland carcinoma. Because high mortality is observed with metastatic disease, the recognition of this association is important for anyone who follows patients with a history of bilateral retinoblastoma or prior cranial radiation therapy. Cancer 1998;83:767-771.