What is Periocular (Eyelid) Skin Cancer?
When skin cancer is near your eyes, it is called periocular skin cancer. Skin cancer can arise from any of the types of cells in your skin. The most common form is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are relatively slow growing. The less common melanomas, which appear from the pigment producing melanocytes, are a more serious form of cancer.
What causes Eyelid Skin Cancer?
Eyelid skin cancer most commonly develops due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, including the Newcastle region, cumulative sun exposure places the delicate skin around the eyes at particular risk.
Periocular skin cancer may arise from several different types of skin cancer, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Intraepidermal carcinoma (IEC)
- Solar keratosis
- Melanoma
Management often requires specialised surgical assessment due to the functional and anatomical complexity of the eyelids. Both our surgeons have extensive training and experience in the surgical removal and reconstruction of eyelid and periocular tumours, from small lesions to more complex cases.
Symptoms and Diagnostics
The signs of eyelid skin cancer can vary and are not always painful. Symptoms may include a persistent lump or sore on the eyelid, a non-healing scab or crusted area, loss of eyelashes, changes in eyelid position, or redness and irritation of the eye.
In more advanced cases, symptoms may include a palpable lump, abnormal sensation around the eye, or visual disturbances. Any eyelid lesion that persists, changes in appearance, or behaves unusually should be assessed by an ophthalmologist.
You Have Just Had Skin Cancer Removed
- What do I do now?
- Is it too late to repair and protect my skin?
- What are my risks of another one occurring?
These are 3 of the most frequently asked questions by our patients following skin cancer diagnosis & surgery.
To answer these questions one must first understand that the tissue surrounding a skin cancer is not only abnormal but may also be pre-cancerous.
Skin cancer is usually the result of malignant change in one or more cells as a result of many years of accumulated UV sun damage to cellular DNA.
The skin surrounding a skin cancer has had similar UV exposure and this phenomenon is known as field cancerisation. The accumulated solar damage and future skin cancer risk is not only limited to the area around the skin cancer, but can also occur in other chronically UV exposed area on other parts of the body.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a new way to treat sub damaged, blemished and aged skin on all areas of the body. By using PDT’s non-invasive light technology, doctors can now treat a range of skin conditions in a fast, relatively painless and affordable way with minimal side effects and downtime.
To find out more about Photodynamic Therapy contact our team at Prèface Cosmetic Facial Surgery & Laser:
Clinical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s condition is unique, and the details presented here may not apply to your personal situation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your health or treatment options. Reliance on this information is solely at your own risk.