Eyelid skin cancer
Eyelid skin cancer
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The skin of the eyelids and the adjoining areas of the face may develop cancer. Most commonly the cancer involves the lower lid, but it may present in other regions such as the upper eyelid, corners of the eye, eyelid margins, eyebrow skin or adjacent areas on the face.
Persons likely to get skin cancer
Eyelid skin cancer is more common in the elderly. Fair-skinned people develop skin cancer more frequently. Excessive exposure to sunlight is an important contributory factor to skin cancer.
Symptoms
- Painless elevations or nodules on skin
- Growing nodules or elevations
- Nodules, elevations or moles which become painful
- Distorted or missing eyelashes
- Ulceration, along with bleeding, crusting or distortion of the skin, especially on pre-existing nodules, elevations or moles
Types of eyelid skin cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma (most common)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma
Treatment
Excision of the eyelid cancer involves two principles: removal of the affected area and reconstruction. Removal involves cutting out the affected skin; at times, this means that the whole eyelid has to be sacrificed. After removal of a cancerous growth, a defect remains in the lid. Repair of this defect is known as reconstruction. The aim of reconstructive surgery is to re-form an eyelid so that it functions properly - that is, it protects the eye, preserves vision and restores normal appearance to the eyelids.
Biopsy
Biopsy confirms or rejects the clinical suspicion that the growth is cancerous. If a tumor is large, a piece of it is removed and sent to the pathologist to identify the type of cancer. Using this piece of tissue, information about the type of cancer and chances of its spread is ascertained. The preferred treatment is then decided upon. If the tumor is small, it is resected fully and then sent to the pathologist.
Reconstructive surgery may require tissue grafting to compensate for the tissue loss that results after excision. This graft is taken from any of the following regions: the other eyelid of the same eye, eyelid of the other eye or facial skin.
Excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the eyelid are usually done in the same operation. In a few cases, however, further surgery may be required after to provide a cosmetically acceptable appearance to the eyelids.
Postoperative condition
A scar remains after eyelid surgery. An effort is made to make the scar as minimal as possible. Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure that the eyelid tissue remains healthy. If the tumor recurs, it is identified and treated as soon as possible.
