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There are many benign tumors. The most common lesions are eyelid papillomas , small eyelid cysts formed from altered sweat and sebaceous glands (Moll and Zeis cysts) or multiple whitish bumps around the eyes (syringoma) , the latter of which also often occur in young people. Various types of eyelid warts can also be caused by viruses ( verruca vugaris Human Papillomavirus, molluscum contagiosum , Poxvirus). Seborrheic keratosis , cornu cutaneum and sebaceous gland cysts are more diseases of the older age group. Moles also occur on the eyelids, they can be congenital or acquired. Certain types of them are prone to malignant degeneration. Regular dermatological and ophthalmological inspection of moles is necessary, and in some cases their surgical removal is essential.

The four most common malignant eyelid tumors are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma , sebaceous gland carcinoma , and malignant melanoma .

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant eyelid tumor. It affects the older age group, is more common in light skinned people, and exposure to sunlight plays an important role in its development. It rarely metastasizes, even then mostly in the surrounding lymph nodes. The primary solution is surgical removal (preferably performed by an eyelid plastic surgeon) and restoration using plastic surgery methods. Professional eyelid reconstruction is important because the function of the eyelids is to protect the eyeball. Basal cell carcinoma tends to recur at the site of the original tumor and can even spread into the eye socket, which can lead to loss of vision and the eyeball. Irradiation, freezing intervention or local chemotherapy (imiquimod=Aldara) can also be considered in certain cases. Drug treatment (vismodegib=Erivedge) is used in the case of locally advanced, inoperable, metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma is much rarer than basal cell carcinoma. It also affects the elderly and light-skinned people, and exposure to sunlight also plays an important role in its development. It is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, it often metastasizes to local lymph nodes, but distant metastasis is not uncommon. Its therapy is also surgical excision.

Carcinoma originating from the sebaceous glands of the eyelid is a rare, aggressive, malignant tumor. It is often thought of as chronic eyelid inflammation, a chalazion, and is diagnosed late. Its prognosis is very poor, it often metastasizes to local lymph nodes and distant organs, and is often fatal. Its therapy is also adequate surgical excision with wide, intact margins.

Melanoma malignum is also a rare, highly malignant, metastasizing tumor. 40% of tumors are non-pigmented. The solution is surgical. The death rate of the tumor is high.

If you have noticed similar changes, book an appointment and visit our ophthalmologists!