Eyelid Tumors
The Oculoplastics and Orbital Surgery at Scheie Eye Institute are adept at treating eyelid tumors.
What are eyelid tumors?
Eyelid tumors are abnormal growths around the eyes that may be either benign or malignant. While basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant type of tumor, several other types may occur along the eyelid skin as well. In addition, benign growths may occur, such as simple cysts or styes (chalazia). Sunlight exposure is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer of the eyelids.
What are the symptoms of eyelid tumors?
Often, eyelid tumors may be symptom-free and are only noted as a growth along the eyelid. In other cases, redness, pain, discharge, bleeding, loss of eyelashes, or erosion of the surrounding skin may indicate that a tumor is present.
How are eyelid tumors diagnosed and treated?
Initially, careful examination by an experienced physician is performed to evaluate these lesions. Often, these growths will be photographed for further evaluation. A simple biopsy can determine the nature of an eyelid tumor, and treatment often depends on the results of the biopsy evaluation. Some tumors do not require any further treatment, while others can be managed with surgical removal, medical treatment, or radiation. If surgical excision is necessary, we use plastic surgery techniques to repair the appearance and function of the eyelid.
While the prognosis for eyelid tumors is generally quite good, they must be evaluated and treated promptly. If left untreated, these lesions can grow, and can infiltrate and erode the eye and its surrounding structures.
|
