Oculoplastics

Skin cancer often involves the skin of the eyelid or adjacent areas of the face.  Eyelid skin cancer most often occurs in the lower eyelid but may be found anywhere on the eyelid margin, corners of the eye, eyebrow skin or adjacent areas of the face.

Excessive exposure to sunlight is the single most important factor associated with skin cancers of the face and eyelids.  Skin cancers may also be hereditary.  Usually they appear as painless elevations or nodules.  There may be ulcerations in the area along with bleeding, crusting or distortion of the normal skin structure. 

The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Both occur locally, are relatively slow growing.  Most of the time they do not usually spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body but can cause extensive local damage.  When treated in a prompt and appropriate manner there is a better chance of removing it completely and minimizing the amount of tissue affected by the carcinoma.

Sebaceaous gland carcinoma and malignant melonoma are more serious forms of skin cancer because they may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.  These types of cancer require immediate and aggressive treatment.

There are two very important principles in the management of eyelid skin cancer, complete removal and reconstruction.  Complete removal of the tumor is critical to minimize the possibility of recurrence, which is even more difficult to manage.  Once the tumor has been completely removed, reconstructive surgery is usually necessary.  There are many excellent techniques available to reconstruct almost any surgical defect.  This task is always accomplished by keeping these important goals in mind:  preserve vision, prevent blindness, maintain eyelid function and create a satisfactory cosmetic appearance.