Eyelid cancer
Eyelid cancer refers to various types of cancers that occur on or near the eyelids, with the most common forms being basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These types typically grow slowly and can often be treated effectively through surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes followed by reconstructive surgery. Individuals at higher risk include those with light skin, a history of sunburns, or previous skin cancers, and it is most prevalent in people over the age of fifty. Symptoms may include unusual skin changes like bumps, discoloration, and non-healing sores.
The incidence of eyelid cancer is relatively low, with about 145 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. Early detection often leads to a high cure rate, particularly for basal cell carcinoma, which can reach up to 95%. Preventive measures focus on minimizing sun exposure and utilizing UV protection. Although many cases can be successfully treated, more aggressive forms like sebaceous gland carcinoma and malignant melanoma pose greater challenges, as they may spread more rapidly and have lower treatment success rates.
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Eyelid cancer
Related conditions:Eye cancers
Definition: Eyelid cancer can occur as one of a variety of types of cancer that begin on or around the eyelid. The most common types of eyelid cancer are slow to spread and can often be successfully be treated with surgery to remove the tumor followed by eyelid reconstruction.
Risk factors: The main risk factors for eyelid cancer are light skin tone, skin that easily burns or freckles, and frequent exposure to the sun. Eyelid cancer is most common in people over the age of fifty. Men are affected slightly more often than women. Individuals who have skin around the eye that has been sunburned, burned, or that has been injured because of a disease or infection are believed to be at higher risk for eyelid cancer. A history of other skin cancers is also thought to increase the risk.
Etiology and the disease process: There are four main types of eyelid cancers. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are usually slow growing and do not tend to spread to other areas of the body. Sebaceous gland carcinoma and malignantmelanoma are more aggressive, faster growing, and much more likely to spread. Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that develops in the lower epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the top layer of the epidermis. Sebaceous gland carcinoma arises in the glands of the eyelid. Melanoma begins in the very bottom layer of the epidermis in the cells called melanocytes. From these beginnings, eyelid cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, areas around the eyelid, and to other areas of the body.
Incidence: Eyelid cancer is not a very common form of cancer. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, in the United States the annual rates of eyelid cancer are 19.6 cases for every 100,000 men, and 13.3 cases for every 100,000 women. The most common form of eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which makes up between 85 and 95 percent of reported cases of eyelid cancer. Sebaceous cell carcinoma makes up about 5 percent of reported cases, sebaceous gland carcinoma between 1 and 5 percent of cases, and malignant melanoma a little less than 1 percent of cases.
Symptoms: The main symptom of eyelid cancer is usually an abnormality in the skin of the eyelid or the surrounding area. Often, the eyelid cancer presents as a small bump, sometimes with small red veins in it. The area may differ in color from the surrounding skin and may seem to change colors or grow in size. The eyelashes in the affected area may be missing. There may be a sore that is crusted over or will not heal, or a tear that does not seem to heal properly. Other possible symptoms include swelling or thickening of the eyelid, and an eyelid infection that will not go away or keeps returning. There is often no pain associated with the discolored or bumpy area.
Screening and diagnosis: The ophthalmologist will determine if the suspicious bump or discoloration is cancerous. If cancer seems likely, a biopsy will be performed. During the biopsy some or all of the suspected lesion is removed. It is then sent to a lab, where a pathologist performs tests and examines it under a microscope to determine if cancer is present and, if so, the type and possible extent. Eyelid cancer is staged based on the size of the tumor, if the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to any other parts of the body.
Treatment and therapy: For many cases of eyelid cancer, especially basal cell carcinomas, the biopsy procedure may actually be all the treatment required. If it is determined that the biopsy removed all the cancerous tissue, no other procedures may be necessary. Most eyelid cancers are treated primarily with surgery. Other procedures, such as cryosurgery, in which the cancerous cells are frozen off, may be necessary. If the cancer has spread to any other parts of the body, appropriate treatment will be required. Radiation and chemotherapy are not usually required for eyelid cancers that have not spread. Because surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is usually the primary treatment option, reconstructive surgery is frequently required after the cancer has been removed.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: The prognosis for cases of eyelid cancer that are caught early is generally very good. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, estimates indicate a cure rate of up to 95 percent for basal cell carcinoma. The prognosis for each person depends on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed and other factors. Sebaceous cell carcinoma is not always treatable with as much success as basal cell carcinoma, because it is more likely to have spread and has a higher incidence of recurrence. Malignant melanoma is most likely to not be treatable successfully because of its tendency to spread to other areas of the body quickly. The best way to prevent eyelid cancer is to take the precautions that are generally recommended to prevent any form of skin cancer, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to intense sun, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and always wearing sunscreen.
Bibliography
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