Periorbital Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma With Distant Metastases

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024 Dec 24. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002883. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a locally aggressive adnexal carcinoma of the head and neck, which has a high tendency for recurrence. MAC rarely has distant metastasis, with only one previously reported case originating from the periorbital region. We present a patient with periorbital MAC with distant metastasis and a review of all reported patients with metastatic disease.

Method: We present a patient with the youngest reported periorbital MAC with metastases along with a major review of metastatic MAC using PubMed/MEDLINE databases. Case reports or case series that described a case of MAC with metastases were included.

Results: A 37-year-old man with left periorbital MAC had local resection and subsequent exenteration for orbital recurrence. Distal metastases were noted between 8 and 13 years postexenteration in the left parotid gland, left sartorius muscle, and right brachialis and trapezius muscles. There are 7 patients, including our patient, with distant metastasis in MAC, of which 2 were of periorbital origin. The median age was 62 with a male predominance (n = 5/7). Our patient is the youngest reported patient with metastatic MAC. The median time to metastasis was 8 years. Strategies to control disease included radiotherapy (n = 4/7) and chemotherapy (n = 4/7). Six of 7 cases passed away with disease or have ongoing disease.

Conclusion: Periorbital MAC is a locally aggressive disease with potential for metastatic spread and all patients need long-term surveillance for local recurrence and distant metastases.