Lipid droplet of sebaceous carcinoma. Electron microscopic study utilizing glycol methacrylate-glutaraldehyde-urea procedure.

The ultrastructure of lipid droplets of sebaceous carcinoma (Meibomian gland carcinoma) was studied by conventional methods and a lipid-retention procedure. Two different structures were clearly differentiated by the latter technique. The peripheral part of the lipid droplet was composed of whirled lamellar structures (myelin-like structures) while the interior appeared to be continuously homogenous. The lamellar structures were presumed to have come from smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, and to transform to the amorphous material-triglyceride-during maturation of the lipid droplets. A true limiting membrane or membranous shell around the lipid droplet was not deceted.