Eyelid Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment

Name: Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC)
Address: 15211 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL, 34613, US
Telephone: 352-345-4565

August 04, 2023

Eyelid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the eyelid. It can arise from several cell types, including skin cells and glandular cells.

The most common forms include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and melanoma. Cancer on the eyelid is relatively uncommon, but a healthcare professional should check any persistent change.

Certain factors can raise the chance of developing eyelid cancer. These include:

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun

• Having fair skin

• A history of sunburns

• Some inherited traits

Understanding your risks and talking with your doctor can help guide evaluation and care.

How is Eyelid Cancer Diagnosed?

Eyelid cancer diagnosis begins when a person or their doctor notices a persistent or unusual change on the eyelid. While many eyelid lumps are benign, certain findings warrant closer evaluation.

Common early signs include:

• An unhealed lump or bump on the eyelid

• Thickening, redness, scaling, crusting, or ulceration of the skin

• Eyelash loss or misdirected growth

• A growth that doesn’t go away (often painless)

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. The diagnostic process is designed to confirm whether a growth is cancerous and to understand how far it may have spread.

Typical steps include:

• Physical exam: A provider carefully examines the eyelid and nearby areas.

• Lymph node check: The physician may feel the neck or facial lymph nodes for swelling or firmness.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and analyzed under a microscope to identify the cancer type, if present.

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to assess deeper tissue involvement or spread.

These evaluations help your care team determine whether eyelid cancer is present and, if so, tailor a treatment plan that balances effective care with preserving eyelid and eye function.

Treatment Options for Eyelid Cancer

Treatment recommendations vary based on cancer type, how far it has grown, and individual factors.

Common treatment categories are:

• Surgery: This includes techniques like Mohs surgery, which removes the cancer layer by layer, and surgical excision, which removes the tumor with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue.

• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays may be used as a primary treatment in select cases or after surgery to address any residual cancer cells.

• Systemic therapies: In certain advanced or recurrent cases, medicines that travel through the body, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, may be considered.

Your care team will tailor the plan to your situation, balancing effectiveness with the preservation of eyelid function and eye health.

After eyelid cancer treatment, follow-up visits are an essential part of care. These visits help your team monitor healing, monitor for any signs of recurrence, and manage any treatment-related effects. Ensure you attend scheduled follow-ups and bring questions to each visit.

Prevention and Risk Reduction for Eyelid Cancer

Some factors, like genetics, can’t be changed, but steps to protect your eyes and skin may help reduce risk.

Here are some sun safety and eye care tips:

• Wear sunglasses that block UV light to protect your eyes and eyelids

• Use protective clothing such as hats to shield your face from the sun

• Avoid tanning beds, as they emit radiation that raises skin cancer risk

• Watch for changes in or around your eyelids and talk with your clinician about how often you should be checked

Ask your doctor or eye care professional what routine exams and vigilance make sense for you. If you’re ready to take the next step in evaluation or care, we’re here to help. Call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment.