What causes eyelid cancer?
Carla
Specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Overview
People with fair skin and fair eyes have less melanin in their skin and are more likely to develop eyelid cancer. The eyelid is one of the most common sites of non-melanoma skin cancer, with basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas accounting for 95% of eyelid cancers.
Skin cancer most often occurs on the lower eyelid, but it can also start on the upper eyelid, eyebrows, or the corners of the eyes.This type of cancer is called eyelid cancer and most often affects the skin or glands of the eyelid.
What are the most common types of eyelid cancer?
The most common type of eyelid cancer is Basal cell carcinoma , usually appears on the lower eyelid and is most common in people with fair or pale skin.
Less common types are squamous and sebaceous cancers and malignant melanoma, which often account for about 10% of cases. Sebaceous carcinoma is an aggressive tumor that usually occurs on the upper eyelid and is associated with radiation exposure, Bowen's disease, and Muir-Torre syndrome.
T-cell lymphoma much less commonly affects the eyelids and may be part of mycosis fungoides, which is T-cell lymphoma of the skin.
A tumor known as keratoacanthoma can also occur on the eyelids of older men with fair skin.
What causes eyelid cancer?
The most important cause of eyelid cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or other sources such as tanning beds.The eyelid is the thinnest skin on your body, it is very sensitive to damage from sun exposure and other factors.
What are the signs and symptoms of eyelid cancer?
People may experience a range of symptoms or signs of eyelid cancer which can include:
- Swelling or thickening of the eyelid skin.
- Chronic infection of the eyelid.
- A change in the appearance of the eyelid skin.
- A spreading, coloured growth on the eyelid that can be red, brown or black.
- Broken skin on the eyelid that doesn’t heal (ulceration) .
- Loss of eyelashes.
What should I do if I think I have eyelid cancer?
The best route is to contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you figure out what’s happening, the faster you can get treatment started.
How can eyelid cancer be prevented?
The most effective way to prevent eyelid cancer is to protect the eyes from UV rays when outdoors. This involves wearing a hat with a long or wide brim, applying eye cream twice a day , and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
HiSqin™ Murumuru Intensive Eye Treatment
Organic Marshmallow Extract aids in circulation, diminishing dark circles and puffiness. Soothing Calendula, Sea buckthorn and Organic Sunflower Oils quickly penetrate to instantly refresh and encourage suppleness and elasticity.
Takeaway
The eyelid area is one of the most common sites of skin cancer, with approximately 5-10% of skin cancers occurring on the eyelids. You're more likely to develop eyelid cancer if you have fair skin and freckles rather than a tan.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
