Skin Cancer on the Eyelids

Eyelid skin cancers occur most frequently on the lower eyelid, but may be found on the corners of the eye, eyebrow skin, or eyelid margins. These usually appear as painless or elevated nodules and are typically caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. One may notice missing eyelashes, skin ulcers, bleeding, crusting, and possible distortion of the normal skin structure.

There are several types of skin cancer. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both enlarge locally and usually don’t spread to distant body parts, but they may affect adjacent structures. Early detection will decrease the amount of tissue removed and decrease the potential scar. Two other forms of skin cancer are sebaceous gland carcinoma and malignant melanoma however these are much less common. These types of cancer may spread to other parts of the body. Due to the threat of early spreading, these types of cancer do require prompt and aggressive treatment.

Some excisions of skin cancer around the eyes can be done in the office. If the growth is located close to the lid margin, or the growth is large, these procedures will usually be done in an outpatient facility where the margins can be checked instantly by the pathologist to make sure the cancer was completely excised.