Eyelid tumours

Today we talk about tumours on the eyelids and the ophthalmologist Sandra Prazeres highlights the importance of early diagnosis:

Benign tumours are the most frequent and have a smooth, round appearance. They generally do not evolve, do not grow and sometimes have a cystic appearance. Malignant lesions alter the architecture of the eyelid rim, sometimes have a nodule, an ulcerated lesion, that is, one that bleeds easily, and often locally there is a loss of eyelashes.

The most frequent causes are old age and sun exposure. Some tumours also have an associated genetic basis.

These tumours, despite being very visible, often come to us late due to ignorance, denial or shame on the part of the patient, who resorts when the lesion is already very large and involves a much more complex surgery.

The diagnosis can be made by a family doctor, a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon, an ophthalmologist and is initially based on a clinical diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis is made by a biopsy.

Patients with this type of lesion should consult an ophthalmologist specialising in oculoplastic surgery. As well as being a specialist in eyelid surgery, he or she is very familiar with the anatomy of the area and the most suitable reconstruction techniques for each type of tumour and its location, always bearing in mind the healing and functionality of the eyelid, whose fundamental role is to protect the eye.

This and other advice is available on the TSF website.

With the support of the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology.