Meibomian gland adenocarcinoma of the eyelid with preauricular lymph node metastasis

Meibomian gland carcinomas of the eyelid are rare neoplasms, accounting for less than 1% of all eyelid tumors. They usually mimic chalazia and undergo repeated curettage before a definitive diagnosis is made. Although they are relatively slow growing tumors they behave in an aggressive manner, frequently metastasizing to regional lymph nodes. Approximately 50% of the patients who develop metastasis to lymph nodes of the neck will survive five years. We present a case of meibomian gland carcinoma with preauricular lymph node metastasis, treated with orbital exenteration, superficial parotidectomy, and radical neck dissection.