Skin Cancer on the Eyelid
Skin cancer is commonly seen on the eyelid because this area is typically neglected when it comes to protection from the sun. Most people wear sunglasses and dab a bit of sunscreen on their eye lid, but many choose not to. This is because the eye area is sensitive.
-
Identification
-
Skin cancer on the eyelid can appear in various forms. Evaluate any changes in moles or growths on the eyelid that don't heal. The cancer may look red and cracked like a lesion that is either raised or depressed on the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
-
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer that shows up on the eyelid. The cancer can impair function of the eyelid itself and may spread to other areas of the body.
-
Melanoma
-
Melanoma can also show up on the eyelid. This type of cancer is very serious and requires swift treatment to prevent fatalities. Melanoma usually presents itself as a strange mole with irregular borders, but it can also look like a lesion.
Warning Signs
-
A painful, tingling or itching sore on the eyelid could indicate cancer. If a person is having difficulty blinking or opening the eye, the cancer could be invading internal structures of the delicate eyelid.
Treatment
-
Treatment for skin cancer on the eyelid depends on the type of cancer itself. Some skin cancers can simply be removed, leaving a scar with no follow up treatment. Other skin cancers that have grown deeper into the tissue may require reconstructive surgery of the eyelid to maintain proper function.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit flickr imnowls
