What does the picture show and what is the diagnosis? Answer Multiple vacuolated cells (cells with clear spaces) within the dermis and the epidermis. The cells show abnormal dark nuclei of various shapes and sizes. The presence of clear spaces (ie. lipid which has been removed from the cytoplasm) indicates that the tumour cells are well-differentiated. Sebaceous cell carcinoma. Why may this condition be difficult to treat? a Answer Sebaceous cell carcinoma has the tendency for pagetoid spread from the skin to conjunctiva and sometimes the globe. The tumour may be multicentric with skip areas. Therefore, it is important to perform map biopsies in patients with sebaceous cell carcinoma.
