Skin cancer is very common in the eyelids. There are certain characteristics that distinguish these tumors from a benign lesion, such as:
- Irregular margins
- Central ulceration
- Raised, pearly borders
- Growth of the lesion
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type in eyelid skin.
The diagnosis of eyelid skin cancer begins with an examination in the doctor’s office. Most carcinomas can be diagnosed by oculoplastic surgeons based on their macroscopic appearance.
In some cases, a biopsy will be taken the same day of the examination. This will give the surgeon a diagnosis of the type of tumor.
Treatment of eyelid skin cancer is always surgical.
The complexity of the operation and the time it will take to recover will depend on the size and type of tumor.
Small carcinomas may be excised under local anesthesia in a minor procedure room. Recovery in these cases is painless and relatively quick.
When the tumor is large or more aggressive, surgical resection will include most of the eyelid tissue.
In such cases, reconstruction becomes very complex, requiring flaps and grafts to achieve a good cosmetic result and a functional eyelid.
Fortunately, oculoplastic surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and management of eyelid cancer.
With the right approach, it is possible to achieve a cure while maintaining normal eyelid function.
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