23 Jul Spotting Eyelid Skin Cancer
There are three primary types of skin cancer, and they can occur anywhere on the body, including the eyelids. Dr. Schiedler is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, and the only expert you want taking care of you when skin cancer occurs on the eyelid. Oasis Eye Face and Skin in Southern Oregon is your hub for all eye-related surgeries, and that includes some forms of skin cancer.
Considering how thin, sensitive, and regularly exposed to the sun the eyelids are, it’s easy to see why UV rays so easily damage this area. That’s why up to 10 percent of skin cancers happen on the eyelids, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. In the vast majority of cases, eyelid skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which is a slow-growing cancer that doesn’t spread. Squamous cell carcinomas make up about ten percent of eyelid skin cancers. Both of these skin cancers are relatively fast and easy to address when caught early. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, rarely occurs on the eyelid.
Most eyelid skin cancer occurs on the lower eyelid, but skin cancer can also occur on the upper eyelids, the eyebrow area, and even in the inner corners and outer corners of the eyelid. The most common symptoms are bumps that can be shiny, red, or pearl-colored. You may notice a sore lump which can bleed or scab. A flesh-colored or brown spot that looks like a lesion can appear, or it might be a rough red or brown lesion. Eyelid skin cancer can be itchy, tender, or if it looks like a wound it can tend not to heal. In some cases, you may notice a loss of eyelashes. Generally, eyelid skin cancer does not “present” the same way as skin cancer on other parts of the body do (as a strange mole), which is why it’s important to have any eyelid abnormalities checked by an eye specialist.
Schedule a Consultation at Oasis Eye Face and Skin Today!
A small, surgical biopsy is required to diagnose any type of skin cancer. Treatment plans will vary based on the type of cancer and its severity. However, in most cases, if eyelid skin cancer is caught early the best treatment is the removal of the cancerous site. Chemotherapy and radiation are often not required, but it is very important to have an eye specialist check any suspicious marks. If you are concerned about a blemish on the eyelid or you’ve been diagnosed with eyelid skin cancer, trust only the best oculofacial plastic surgeon in Southern Oregon with your treatment. Call Oasis Eye Face and Skin at (541) 708-6393 today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Schiedler.