Your eyes are protected by strong bony sockets known as orbits. However, the thin tissue around them, including your lower and upper eyelids is very vulnerable to sun damage. This is one of the leading causes of eyelid cancer, although physical trauma and smoking habits can also play a huge role in the development of tumors. Let’s look at some eyelid skin cancer statistics.
Eyelid Skin Cancer Statistics
Cancer is typically diagnosed when healthy eyelid cells become malignant and begin to grow uncontrollably. This causes a tumor to grow, which can either be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor can spread to other areas of the body and grow. A benign tumor is one that can grow, but not spread, and is easier to remove. Below, your eye surgery specialists will share some important eyelid skin cancer statistics to help you determine whether you have an immediate need for eyelid surgery in St. Paul.
About Eyelid Skin Cancer
- Eyelid cancer is usually diagnosed when tumors are found growing on the outside of the eyelids. Most skin cancers that develop around the eyes are basal cells carcinomas (BCCs). Although BCCs are not likely to spread to the lymph nodes and beyond, they can cause severe disfigurement.
- Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are rare and account for a small proportion of eyelid cancers. This type is more likely to spread and may even prove fatal. Although it can be found around the eye and in the skin, melanomas, which is a more serious form of skin cancer, is much more common.
It can be scary to learn that you have a non-melanoma, skin cancer in the area of your eye. But don’t panic. There are many treatment options available and experts who can help.
Symptoms and Types of Eyelid Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous Cell carcinoma are the most common types of eyelid cancer. Sebaceous carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinomas, and melanoma are also common types of eyelid cancer that can occur although they can be harder to detect.
The most common form of cancer begins with a visible tumor on the skin. This can lead to other symptoms. Cancer.Net reports that benign tumors are not typically serious, but they should still be addressed by an eye doctor as soon as possible.
You may also notice more and more signs of growing cancer, such as:
- The swelling of the eyelids
- Thickening the eyelid
- Chronic infection of the eyelids
- Changes in the appearance of the eyelid skin
- A wound on the eyelid where the skin has been broken
- An expanding, colored mass on the upper eyelid
Eyelid cancer is more common in people with fair skin and light hair, although everyone is susceptible and protection is required. Also, people who have received previous radiation to their face or are immunosuppressed are more at risk of developing this type of cancer. It’s important to speak with your doctor if you are worried that you may be dealing with cancer.
Eyelid Cancer Treatments and Future Research
The size, type, and intensity of the tumors on your eyelid will determine what kind of treatment options will work best. It is not guaranteed that your cancer can be treated, but our doctors will come up with a highly customized plan to ensure that you have the very best chance of beating cancer once and for all.
Surgery, whether plastic or reconstructive, is often an option for removing those tumors. If there is no chance of them spreading, this can end the cancer threat for good. Otherwise, additional rounds of treatments may be needed.
Talk to Us About Eyelid Cancer ASAP
At Eye Plastic Surgery of Minnesota, we understand the urgency and importance of getting specialty cancer care. Whether you have already been diagnosed, or you want to speak with our doctor for further treatment, we can offer help in many ways. Reach out to us today to learn about your options for eyelid skin cancer surgery in Minneapolis and get rid of your tumors for good.