What are Eyelid Tumors?
Eyelid tumors refer to abnormal growths of tissue that develop on or around the eyelids. These lesions may be benign (non – cancerous with limited growth potential), pre-malignant (with the potential to become cancerous), or malignant (cancerous, with the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body).
Malignant tumors vary in behavior. Some grow slowly over many years with low metastatic potential, while others are aggressive and may spread early, sometimes even before the primary tumor is detected.
What causes eyelid tumors?
In most cases, the exact cause is unknown. However, several factors are believed to increase the risk:
- Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to sunlight is a major risk factor, particularly in individuals with fair skin
- Immune system suppression: The immune system normally helps control abnormal cell growth. Patients receiving immunosuppressive medications or with weakened immunity have a higher risk of tumor development
- Genetic factors: Most tumors have a genetic component, although direct inheritance from parent to child is rare
What are the symptoms of eyelid tumors?
Most eyelid tumors are visible and may present as a lump, localized swelling, redness, loss of eyelashes, or cosmetic asymmetry.
Tumors located on the inner surface of the eyelids or within the eye socket (orbit) may be less obvious and can present with symptoms such as pain, reduced sensation, swelling, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or displacement of the eye forward or sideways.
How are eyelid tumors treated?
Treatment depends on several factors, including patient age, overall health, tumor type, size, location, and evidence of local or distant spread.
The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical excision with clear margins. The removed tissue is sent for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and ensure complete tumor removal.
Reconstructive surgery is often performed on the same day or shortly after tumor excision, depending on pathology results.
Reconstruction techniques include:
- Natural healing (laissez-faire) in selected cases
- Direct wound closure
- Local skin flaps
- Skin grafts from nearby or distant sites
- Cartilage or hard palate grafts when structural support is required
Skin grafts are commonly harvested from the upper eyelid or behind the ear. Larger defects may require tissue from other body areas. Some tumors may also require additional treatments such as cryotherapy or radiotherapy.
What is the follow – up after eyelid tumor surgery?
Due to the risk of recurrence, regular follow – up examinations are recommended for up to five years after treatment. Early detection of recurrence significantly improves outcomes.
Evangelos Lokovitis MD, FEBOphth
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Specialist in Oculoplastics, Lacrimal & Orbital Surgery
Ophthalmica Institute