Background Information
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of eyelid skin cancer, accounting for about 80-90% of all cases. It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 79, with the average age of diagnosis at 60 years old. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the lower eyelid, although they can occur anywhere on the skin. They almost never metastasize (spread to other parts of the body), but if untreated can grow and cause significant damage to local tissues. Several risk factors associated with this type of tumor include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, immune dysfunction, focal trauma, previous exposure to ionizing radiation, fair skin color, and inability to tan.
Symptoms
Although basal cell carcinoma tumors can form anywhere on the skin, they are most commonly found on the lower eyelid. Basal cell carcinomas are usually nodular, slowly enlarging, dome-shaped, firm, and often painless. Depending on the sub-type of basal cell carcinoma, ulcerations may develop on/around the tumor and the tumor may be pigmented, ranging in color from light tan to dark brown. In addition, basal cell carcinomas growing in the area of the eyelashes often result in the loss of eyelashes.
Signs
An important diagnostic evaluation for basal cell carcinoma is a skin biopsy. This method of evaluation allows for histopathologic examination of the suspected tumor and serves as a confirmation method for diagnosis.
Treatments
Decision for treatment of basal cell carcinoma is made on an individualized basis. When deemed necessary, basal cell carcinoma is most commonly treated with surgical excision of the tumor. Other methods of treatment may include cryosurgery, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy.
What to Expect
Prognosis of basal cell carcinoma is generally very good, but depends on tumor size, location, and degree of infiltration. It is important to emphasize that, although basal cell carcinoma is classified as a malignant neoplasm, these tumors almost never metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Background Information
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of eyelid cancer, accounting for about 5-10% of all such cases, and presenting most commonly in individuals 60 years of age or older. These tumors are often found on the lower eyelid, although they can occur anywhere on the skin. Although metastasis (spreading of the tumor to other parts of the body) is possible, it rarely occurs. If left untreated, progression of squamous cell carcinoma may result in invasion of the orbit (eye socket), sinuses, and regional lymph nodes. Some risk factors associated with this type of tumor include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, exposure to arsenic, immunosuppressive drugs, albinism, and pre-existing chronic skin lesions.
Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma most often presents as a nodular, plaque-like, or ulcerated lesion that is reddish and often accompanied by chronic scaling.
Signs
An important diagnostic evaluation for squamous cell carcinoma is a skin biopsy. This method of evaluation allows for histological examination of the suspected tumor and serves as a confirmation method for diagnosis.
Treatments
Decision for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma is made on an individualized basis. When deemed necessary, the most common type of treatment of squamous cell carcinoma is surgical excision of the tumor. Other forms of treatment include radiation.
What to Expect
Prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma depends on tumor size, location, and degree of infiltration. It is important to emphasize that, although squamous cell carcinoma is classified as a malignant skin lesion, mestastasis (spreading to other parts of the body) of these tumors is rare.