Ethnic and racial disparities in sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid: A SEER database analysis.

Abstract

e18055 Background: Meibomian gland tumors are rare neoplasms originating from the sebaceous glands of the eyelids. Recognizing the racial disparities in the occurrence, management, and outcomes of these tumors is essential for enhancing patient care and tackling health inequalities. Methods: Data were extracted from the Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), regarding patients diagnosed with Meibomian gland tumors from 2000 to 2021. The study population was categorized into four mutually exclusive racial groups: White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the incidence rates, stage at diagnosis, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes across these racial groups. The multivariate Cox Regression model was used to adjust for potential confounders, evaluating the impact of race and age on survival outcomes. Results: Among the 969 patients diagnosed with Meibomian gland tumors, 615 (63%) were aged over 70 years, there was a slight female predominance(55.5%). The incidence rates varied among the racial groups, with the highest rates observed in white population and the lowest in American Indian/Alaska Native. Further, white patients were slightly more prone to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Regarding treatment modalities, all racial groups had the majority of patients who underwent surgery alone. Survival analysis revealed an overall survival rate of 51%, with American Indian/Alaska Natives showing the highest survival rate 80% and White patients the lowest 49.5%. The mean survival time across all races was 130.99 months, with the Asian or Pacific Islander group having the highest mean survival time (140.965 months) and White patients the lowest (128.181 months). The Log Rank test indicated no statistically significant difference in survival distributions among the racial groups (Chi-Square = 3.603, df = 3, P = 0.31). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that age is an independent prognostic factor for survival, with patients aged 70+ years having a much higher risk (HR: 4.53, CI: [2.67-7.7]) compared to other age groups. While, race analysis didn’t reach statistical significance. Pacific Islander patients had a higher risk (HR: 1.52, CI: [0.196-11.8]), while Asian patients had a slightly lower risk (HR: 0.97, CI: [0.162-5.83]). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that while racial differences in survival exist, they are not statistically significant, while age is a critical factor in prognosis.