Eyelid Cancers
Without the sun, few living things could exist, but the sun can also cause dreadful damage to the skin. Millions of people expose themselves to the sun and tanning lights every day. The amount of exposure can vary from a little to a lot. Yet, even people who get a limited amount of exposure, without proper skin protection, can become candidates for skin cancer.
There are several different types of eyelid cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common eyelid cancer, has a tendency to appear on the lower lid, although all four lids could be affected. This cancer has a tendency to be local to the area that it invades and seldom is life threatening. Squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are less common types of eyelid skin cancer, but because these types of cancers tend to invade locally as well as systemically, theycan have life-threatening consequences.
The best way to prevent eyelid cancer and sun damage is to prevent sun exposure. To achieve this goal, always wear a sun block of at least 15 or greater, wear sunglasses that have both UVA and UVB protection, and wear a large hat that shades the face when exposed to the sun for a long period of time.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Cancer Treatment?
Cancer of the eyelid can be as subtle as a small bump, discoloration of the skin, changing birthmark, or loss of lashes, or it can be as large as a disfiguring mass. The prime candidates for skin cancers are individuals with pale to lightly pigmented skin and people who currently, or have previously, experienced excessive sun exposure. Nevertheless, even people with darker pigmented skin types can be affected.
Detection of a cancerous lesion is usually best diagnosed by a physician. However, self-evaluation is usually your best detection. The most common signs of a cancerous lesion are lumps or bumps on your eyelid that were not there before or changes in size or color of an existing lesion, such as birthmarks or moles. Other signs of an invasive cancerous lesion are loss of lashes or focalized white lashes, chronic non-resolving inflammation of the eyelid, or a bleeding lesion. If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately contact your ophthalmologist for an evaluation. In many cases, the lesion is benign, but you never want to take a chance.
What Is the Treatment for Eyelid Cancers?
Since the eyelid has a protective and nutritional function to the eye, the excision of the lesion can become very challenging. For a small tumor, the mass can be removed without affecting the eyelid function. However, if the tumor is large, various reconstructive surgical techniques may be needed to restore proper lid function and normal appearance of the eyelid.
What Is the Recovery After Treatment?
Most of the surgical procedures for eyelid cancers are performed under local anesthesia, on an out-patient basis, and patients are able to return to their normal activities quickly.
How Much Does Eyelid Cancer Treatment Cost?
Eyelid cancer treatment costs vary by patient, depending on the types of treatments that are recommended by Dr. Hormozi. Your insurance company may cover the cost of treatment for your eyelid cancer. For non-covered procedures we offer FREE private consultations.