Eyelid Tumours
Benign and malignant
Patients are often referred to the surgeons at Face & Eye with eyelid and facial lesions (tumours, growths and lumps). The main goal in the evaluation of these lesions is to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. In general, the majority of malignant tumours affecting the eyelids and surrounding areas are slowly enlarging, destructive lesions that distort or destroy the normal shape of the eyelid.
Helpfully there are a number of subtle features that can help to differentiate malignant from benign eyelid tumours, but in some cases it can be extremely difficult to make the correct diagnosis of an eyelid lesion without a biopsy (the removal of a sample of tissue which is examined by a pathologist with a microscope). Some malignant lesions may appear to be harmless whilst, conversely, some benign lesions may appear to be sinister. The majority of malignant tumours in this area are basal cell carcinomas (rodent ulcers). Rarer tumours include squamous cell carcinomas, sebaceous gland carcinomas, Merkel cell tumours and melanomas.
An early diagnosis is vital and can significantly reduce morbidity associated with malignant eyelid tumours. However, malignant eyelid tumours are diagnosed early only if a high degree of clinical suspicion is applied when examining all eyelid lesions. The appropriate management of malignant eyelid tumours requires a thorough understanding of their clinical characteristics and their pathologic behaviour. This is what the highly qualified oculoplastic surgeons at Face & Eye are trained to do.
Many basal cell carcinomas of the eyelids and surrounding areas are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. You can find more about this treatment here.