Synonyms
tumor of the eyelids, eye tumor, cancer, eye cancer
Definition
Eyelid tumors are tumors of the eyelids. They can be both benign and malignant. Benign tumors include benign tumors Malignant tumors include
- Warts or also
- Fat deposits (xanthelasma)
- Blood sponges (hemangiomas).
- Basaliomas
- Melanomas
General information
The malignant eyelid tumor that occurs most frequently (approx. 90%) is the basal cell carcinoma (basalioma). This can also occur on other parts of the skin (e.g. nose, ear).
Patients over the age of 60 are mainly affected. These are semi-malignant tumors, i.e. semi-bad tumors which, although they locally destroy the tissue in question, rarely spread (metastasize) throughout the rest of the body. This also increases the success of the therapy.
As with most eyelid tumors, the basal cell carcinoma is preferably treated surgically. However, if this is not possible due to the circumstances, cryo- and radiotherapy are also available as an alternative. The development of basal cell carcinomas can be prevented by good sun protection.
In particular, the lastingly damaging UV-B radiation should be taken into account. A lid tumor does not always have to be disturbing. Depending on the localization, the tumors can also leave the patient completely unaffected.
If it is a benign eyelid tumor, there is usually only a cosmetic impairment. The first tactile or visible symptoms of an eyelid tumor are skin changes. These include lumps or discolorations (yellow, brown, black).
Over time, eyelid tumors usually change and malignant tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma, can gradually become larger over time. But also benign tumors of the skin, such as the keratoacanthoma, can rapidly increase in size in a short time and also regress just as quickly. Since there are many different types of tumors that can settle on the eyelids, a wide variety of symptoms can also occur.
The changes in the skin can cause pain or be completely painless. The eyelid tumor can grow into surrounding structures such as the conjunctiva and lacrimal duct, possibly the eyelashes fall out due to the growth of the eyelid tumor. Since malignant tumors usually grow very slowly but steadily, it is possible that they are discovered late.
Also the symptoms such as are not clearly attributable to an eyelid tumor and therefore it can easily happen that the diagnosis of the malignant tumor is made late, so that it may even lead to a loss of the eye.
- Eyelid Inflammation
- Burst veins
- Rash or birthmark-like skin changes
The diagnosis is usually a gaze diagnosis. In most cases, dermatologists or ophthalmologists diagnose eyelid tumors through visible changes on the eyelid.
Even if the patient talks to the doctor (anamnesis) about long sunbathing and frequent sunburn, this may indicate malignant eyelid tumors. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a biopsy (tissue sample) can be taken to confirm the diagnosis. The performance of can then confirm the diagnosis and spread of the eyelid tumor.
- Ultrasound
- X-ray or
- CT examinations
The treatment options for eyelid tumors depend on the type of tumor, its stage of progress, where it is located and consequently the functional limitations of the tumor. In addition, the patient’s age and general condition play an important role in the therapy decision. If a benign eyelid tumor is present, the patient is usually first waited for and the growth is documented.
In the case of malignant or benign, cosmetically unattractive and functionally restricting eyelid tumors, surgical removal of the tumor is attempted, since this is considered the safest method and, by maintaining a safe distance, potentially diseased tissue can also be removed. In most cases, a local anesthetic of the eyelids is sufficient and the procedure is completed after a few minutes. If an operation is not possible or necessary, the patient can also be treated with radiation therapy.
Here the skin is irradiated with radioactive radiation from the outside and thus the cancer cells are destroyed. Apart from the general side effects of radiation therapy (such as diarrhea, vomiting, hair loss, etc. ), the main problem here is the proximity to other structures that could be affected by the radiation.Another therapeutic approach is cryotherapy, in which the tumor is frozen using special instruments and then removed.
Due to the extreme cold, however, skin changes can occur locally on the eye, which are then difficult to distinguish from tumor relapses. Alternatively, one can also be considered. In individual cases, the tumor can also be scraped out (e.g. in the case of xanthelasma).
- Laser therapy
- Chemotherapy
Among the causes of eyelid tumors are various triggers. High solar radiation (UV radiation) can promote the development of eyelid tumors. In addition, a high exposure to X-rays has a negative effect.
The genetic disposition of a person can play a role in the development of an eyelid tumor. The development of malignant eyelid tumors can only be counteracted by not exposing the eyelid to too much sunlight. However, strong sunlight and especially sunburn should be avoided, as they are generally harmful to the skin.
A sun cream with a high sun protection factor in combination with protective sunglasses can help here. If skin changes such as poorly healing wounds, discoloration or elevations above normal skin level occur, they should be regularly examined and checked by a dermatologist. An eyelid tumor can be both benign and malignant and ranges from benign, spotty xanthelasma to malignant basal cell carcinoma.
The most common causes include all types of radiation such as X-rays and intense UV radiation. Symptomatically, eyelid tumors can cause pain, discoloration or rapid growth of the skin change in size. A first suspicion can be provided by the gaze diagnosis of a dermatologist, which can be confirmed by a tissue sample, for example.
Therapeutically, surgery is usually performed, but the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The development of eyelid tumors can be prevented by appropriate protection against radiation, e.g. sunglasses. Depending on the eyelid tumor, there are different courses.
Benign tumors can disappear within a year, but malignant tumors must be detected and treated as early as possible in order to have the best possible chances of recovery. If the malignant tumor of the eyelid is completely removed, a complete cure is very likely. Nevertheless, regular check-ups are necessary in the two following years after the removal of the tumor, as new skin changes can always occur.
In some cases moles can start to grow and develop into a malignant tumor of the eyelid. Early and regular skin cancer screening is helpful here.
- Stadium
- Location
- Type and
- Spread
The prognosis varies depending on the extent, nature and dignity of the tumor. Some benign tumors, such as warts, can also reappear.