Eyelid Tumour
Learn about eyelid tumour
Eyelid tumors are abnormal growths that can be benign or malignant and appear on the upper or lower eyelid. They can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Sunlight exposure: Too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for developing eyelid tumors.
- Inheritance: Some eyelid tumors can be inherited from a parent.
Some common types of eyelid tumors include:
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common malignant type of eyelid tumor, which is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A more aggressive type of malignant tumor that can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma: A more aggressive type of malignant tumor that is more common in Asians
- Nevus: A benign growth that is similar to a freckle and rarely becomes malignant
- Papilloma: A benign growth that is similar to a skin tag and rarely becomes malignant
- Hidrocystoma: A transparent cyst that results from a blockage of the eyelid's sweat glands
To prevent eyelid cancer, you can:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when you're in the sun
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin if you'll be outside for a long period of time
- Don't smoke
- Avoid alcohol
- Keep stress levels low
Symptoms of eyelid tumors include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Discharge
- Bleeding
- Loss of eyelashes
- Erosion of the surrounding skin
- Swelling
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Displacement of the eye
Eyelid tumors can be treated with a variety of methods, including:
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if the tumor is malignant.
- Surgical removal: An oculoplastic surgeon removes the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it. Plastic surgery techniques can be used to repair the eyelid's appearance and function.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are used to destroy rapidly growing cancerous cells.
- Photodynamic therapy: Light-sensitizing medications and light energy are used to destroy low-grade basal cell carcinomas.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing therapy is sometimes used after surgery.
- Topical chemotherapy: Drops or creams are used to treat eyelid cancer.
The treatment for an eyelid tumor depends on the type and stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the nature of the tumor. Early detection of eyelid cancer is important to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
After surgery, it's common to experience swelling and bruising around the eyes. Sleeping with your head elevated can help with swelling. It can take six months to a year for a scar to heal completely.