Eyelid Skin Cancers

Skin cancers are common in Australia due to our beautiful weather. The amount of UV exposure over a lifetime can contribute to some skin cancers around the eye. The area around the eyes or “periocular” area is considered a high risk area, and proper treatment of these cancers is essential. The treatment must be aggressive enough to reduce the chance of recurrence, whilst preserving essential structures around the eyes as much as possible. Proper reconstruction after skin cancer removal is important to achieve the best possible cosmesis and function.

The most common skin cancers around the eyes are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC or “rodent ulcer”)

    • This is the most commonly occurring skin cancer and can affect any area surrounding the eyes, however it is most common on the lower lids. Metastasis is very rare.

  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

    • This skin cancer tends to be less common around the eye than BCCs. It can invade the nerves around the eye and eye socket and must be removed properly to prevent this.

  • Melanoma

    • Melanomas can are mostly pigmented (darker in colour) but can be non-pigmented (lighter in colour). They need to be removed with a relatively larger area of normal tissue surrounding them to reduce the chance of spread. Additional tests such as biopsy of lymph node (sentinel node biopsy) and other treatments in addition to surgery may be recommended depending on the person’s situation.