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Skin cancer often involves the skin of the eyelid or adjacent face. Eyelid skin cancers occur most often on the lower eyelid but may also be found on the eyelid margins, corners of the eye, eyebrow skin or adjacent areas of the face. Usually the cancer appears as painful elevations or nodules. Occasionally, the eyelashes are distorted or missing. There may be ulcerations of the involved area along with bleeding, crusting and/or distortion of the normal skin structure. Such findings need to be evaluated and may require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both types enlarge locally and usually do not spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body. However, if not completely removed, either type will invade adjacent structures. It is important to know that basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are relatively slow-growing. Thus, when detected early and treated in a prompt and appropriate manner, there is a better chance of removing the tumor completely and minimizing the amount of tissue affected by the carcinoma. There are two very important principles in the management of eyelid skin cancers: 1) complete removal and 2) reconstruction of the area. Complete removal of the tumor is critical to minimize the possibility of recurrence, which is even more difficult to manage. The surgeon may remove the tumor and have a pathologist check the tissue margins ("frozen section") to be sure the tumor is completely removed. In another method, a dermatologic surgeon excises the tumor in a special way ("Mohs technique") to insure total removal. Once the tumor has been completely removed, reconstructive surgery is usually necessary. Many excellent techniques are available to reconstruct almost any surgical defect. The surgery is performed as an outpatient (there is usually no need for hospitalization). Local anesthesia, which numbs the eyelid, is combined with light sedation so there is little, if any, pain during or even after surgery. Eyelid skin cancers are often treated by ophthalmic, plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Fellowship in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) indicates that the surgeon has special training and expertise in this sub-specialty.
Please contact the Center for Cosmetic Facial and Eye Plastic Surgery at 727-522-FACE (3223) for more information and a personal consultation. |