Protecting Your Eyes: Understanding and Treating Eyelid Skin Cancer

While skin cancer is usually associated with more exposed areas like the face, arms and back, it can also affect delicate areas such as the eyelids. Because of its proximity to the eyes, eyelid skin cancer requires specialized treatment in order to safeguard both skin and ocular health.

“Eyelid skin cancer” encompasses various types of cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Risk factors for eyelid skin cancer mirror those of skin cancer elsewhere on the body including heavy sun exposure, fair skin and a history of skin cancer. The delicate skin and thin tissue of the eyelids make them particularly susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other environmental factors.

Detecting eyelid skin cancer requires vigilance and regular self-examinations, as well as routine screenings by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. Signs of eyelid skin cancer may include:

• Changing eyelid lesions, bumps or growths that don’t go away
• Irregularities in the skin’s texture, color or thickness
• Chronic redness, inflammation or irritation of the eyelid margin
• A tearing, itching or burning sensation around the eyes

Any suspicious symptoms or changes to the skin on and around the eyelid should be evaluated immediately to rule out eyelid skin cancer or to begin the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for eyelid skin cancer depends on various factors including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment preferences. Common treatment options may include:

• Surgical excision to remove the cancerous lesion while preserving as much healthy tissue and eyelid function as possible
• Mohs surgery, a specialized surgical technique that precisely removes cancerous tissue layer by layer
• Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors, particularly for cases where surgery is not feasible or as a supplement to surgery
• Topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy using medicated creams or ointments directly on the affected area to eliminate cancerous cells and prevent recurrence

Prevention is key to protecting the eyes from eyelid skin cancer and other ocular conditions. Strategies for safeguarding ocular health include wearing sunglasses with full UV protection, wearing wide-brimmed hats to shield the eye area from the sun, seeking shade outside, avoiding sun exposure during the middle of the day and regularly examining the area for changes. Eyelid skin cancer presents unique challenges due to its proximity to the eyes and the delicate nature of the eyelid tissue. Early detection, prompt treatment and proactive prevention efforts can preserve ocular health and minimize the impact of eyelid skin cancer on vision and overall well-being.