Eyelid Cancers

Cancer can affect the eyelids and surrounding areas in 4-6 persons per 100,000 populations. 90% of these cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma. This is also known as BCC or Rodent ulcer. It arises from the eyelid skin and is related to ultraviolet or actinic damage. This condition is often seen in fair skinned patients and blue eyes, whose skin tends to burn rather than tan in the sun.

This cancer usually does not spread to other body sites but may extend into surrounding areas if left untreated. The treatment options that are available include:

1.  Surgery: The tumour is removed by an operation along with a margin of healthy tissue and skin on either side. The specimen is then sent to the pathologist who confirms the diagnosis and also checks whether the removal is complete. Various surgical techniques are available to reconstruct the eyelids after removal of the tumour.

2.  Moh’s surgery: This technique is reserved for tumours with a higher risk of recurrence or re-operations. This involves checking the tumour removal with the microscope throughout the procedure.

3. Freezing treatment: This is occasionally useful with very small tumours.

4.  Radiation therapy: This may be necessary after surgery when it has not been possible to remove the whole tumour mass. It is also useful if the patient is not fit for surgery or tumour is too far advanced and involves the surrounding structures.

Whichever mode of treatment is decided upon after discussions, there is a small risk of the tumour coming back which may require frequent follow ups in the clinic and repeat operation.

People who develop basal cell carcinoma have vulnerable skin and are prone to this condition. This means that fresh tumours can arise at other sites in the body and you should be on the look out for any suspicious lesion in any area on the skin.

To protect yourself from further exposure to sunlight, please observe the following preventive steps:

1.  Stay indoors in bright conditions, particularly around noon.

2.  Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a wide brimmed hat when  outdoors.

3. Wear good quality sunscreen with a high sun protection factor on exposed skin sites.