Histopathologically, all tumors exhibited round cells of intermediate size and scanty cytoplasm, and large, round to oval vesicular nuclei with finely dispersed chromatin and one to three inconspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic figures were numerous. No patient had regional or extraregional metastases at diagnosis. This outcome contrasts with the high incidence of local recurrence and early nodal metastasis reported in previous publications. Early diagnosis and aggressive, histologically controlled surgical treatment of this rare, highly malignant tumor may provide a longer disease-free period.
Further investigation is necessary to determine the prognostic factors for recurrence and survival.
Retrospective review of dermatologic pathology slides at Massachusetts General Hospital and eye pathology slides at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts. A spectrum of dermatologic manifestations of collagen vascular diseases was observed, affecting the eyelids and periorbital region. Collagen vascular diseases may present complicated diagnostic and clinical challenges for the practicing ophthalmologist. Familiarity with the cutaneous periocular manifestations of these diseases may facilitate early recognition, diagnosis, and ophthalmologic intervention where necessary. A distended left lower eyelid canaliculus was associated with chronic epiphora and discharge.