Tumors can develop on the eyelids as well as in any part of the body. Eyelid tumors often occur in old ages and they can rarely be seen in middle and young ages. Tumors can be benign (benign) and malignant (malignant). In malignant tumors, there is not only organ damage, but also life-threatening with distant organ spreads (metastases).

General Approach to Eyelid Tumors

The surgical approach may vary according to the type of tumor. Therefore, pathological identification of the tumor is very important. Sometimes, tumors that appear to be benign can change their character and turn into malignant ones. For this reason, a biopsy should be performed on every mass and every wound that occurs later on the eyelids.

What to Do for Benign Eyelid Tumors?

Commonly encountered benign eyelid tumors; eyelid adenomas, verrue, vascular tumors, keratoacanthomas. The most common malignant tumors are; basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and eyelid malignant melanomas.

What to Do for Malignant Eyelid Tumors?

Immediate removal of malignant tumors is mandatory. This can sometimes go as far as removal of the other eyelid, eyeball, or even all the contents of the orbital pit (exenteration).

Image-1: Eyelid tumors

 In malignant tumors, if there is a distant organ spread, chemotherapy is absolutely necessary, otherwise regional radiotherapy is required in addition to the removal of the tumor. In benign eyelid tumors, the patient's problem is permanently resolved by removing the simple mass.

What Should the Physician Preference Be in Eyelid Tumors?

In eyelid tumors, surgical intervention is inevitable both for the maintenance of life and for cosmetically correcting the image. The selection and application of the surgical method and the follow-up of the patient require seriousness and sensitivity. An experienced physician approach is also important for the management of problems that may arise in patients undergoing radiotherapy. An oculoplastic surgeon who has encountered many eyelid tumor patients in his surgical practice is the most appropriate choice.