Deceptive appearance of primary mucinous carcinoma of the eyelid: A rare case and literature review

TL;DR

A rare eyelid cancer mimicked a benign growth, leading to a delayed diagnosis and highlighting the need for careful evaluation.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of primary mucinous carcinoma of the eyelid with a deceptive clinical appearance.

Findings

PMC was misdiagnosed as benign due to its slow-growing and innocuous appearance.

Histopathological evaluation was crucial for accurate diagnosis.

The patient remained recurrence-free for two years without surgery.

Abstract

Primary mucinous carcinoma (PMC) of the eyelid is an exceedingly rare malignancy that often presents as an innocuous, slow-growing lesion, leading to frequent misdiagnosis as a benign entity. This diagnostic challenge can lead to delayed treatment and potential recurrence. We report a unique case of PMC in a patient who presented with a clinically benign-appearing lesion, initially considered for differential diagnoses such as keratoacanthoma, epidermoid cyst, and pilomatrixoma. A diagnostic surprise emerged when histopathological evaluation confirmed PMC. Despite recommendations for wide local excision, the patient opted for observation due to concerns about postoperative morbidity. Over a two-year follow-up period, no recurrence was noted. This case highlights the deceptive presentation of PMC, the importance of histopathological confirmation, and the role of individualized patient management. A review of the literature further underscores the rarity of this entity and the necessity for long-term surveillance.

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