Eyelid Cancer

Eyelid cancer can present itself as unusual growths or lesions on the eyelids, which can affect your appearance & confidence. Early detection and treatment are essential to effective care.
At Perfect Eyes Limited, our team specialises in diagnosing & treating eyelid cancer. We provide advanced treatments to ensure optimal results and restore your appearance.

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What are Eyelid Cancer?

Eyelid cancer often affects the skin or glands of the eyelid. It primarily develops on the eyelids. The most common type of skin cancer in the eye area is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which comes from basal cells and is sometimes called a “rodent ulcer” because it grows slowly.

The second most common type of skin cancer in the eye area is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is more aggressive than BCC and can spread to other parts of the body. Both types of cancer can appear as painless lumps or sores that don’t heal and may cause ulceration, bleeding, crusting, changes to the eyelid’s shape, and loss of eyelashes.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare but severe form of eye cancer, which can show up as a recurring chalazion, persistent eyelid inflammation, chronic red eye, or thickening of the eyelid.

Causes of Eyelid Cancer

Sun Exposure

Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the leading cause of eyelid cancer, especially in individuals with fair skin, light eyes, and blond or red hair.

Family History

A family history of skin cancer significantly increases the likelihood of developing eyelid cancer, making genetic predisposition a critical risk factor to consider.

Genetic Disorders

Rare genetic conditions like basal cell nevus syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, or albinism elevate the risk of developing eyelid cancer due to inherent vulnerabilities.

Weakened Immune System

People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to eyelid cancer, as their bodies have a reduced ability to fight off harmful cell changes.

Smoking

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer & impacts the sensitive skin surrounding the eyelids.

Radiation

Previous radiation treatments to the face can increase the chances of developing eyelid cancer, especially if exposure occurs at a younger age.

Age

As you age, particularly after 50, the risk of eyelid cancer rises, with prolonged exposure to environmental factors accumulating over time.

Eye Colour and Skin Tone

Individuals with blue, grey, or green eyes and those with fair skin or freckles are at a higher risk of developing eye melanoma, especially with abnormal pigmentation in the uvea or iris.

Moles

People with numerous or atypical moles, which may have irregular shapes or colours, have a high risk of developing both skin and eye melanomas due to their tendency to become cancerous.

Treatments for Eyelid Cancer

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery for eyelid cancer involves removing the skin cancer and then restoring the function and appearance of the eyelid by rebuilding it.

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Meet the Expert: Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is currently considered to be one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK. Her extensive training, in combination with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. For this reason, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai appears consistently in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s “Best Eye Surgeon” and “Top Doctors” since 2019, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best Aesthetic Doctor” Safety in Beauty Diamond Award 2023, “Consultant Surgeon of the Year”, “Best Surgical Result” Aesthetic Awards 2021 & Highly Commended “Consultant Surgeon of the Year” Aesthetic Awards 2022. She was voted by “MyFaceMyBody” as one of the Global 100 most influential aesthetic practitioners in 2019 & 2020.

Dr. Sabrina - Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Surgeon- Signature

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of eyelid cancer?

The initial signs to watch out for include a growth on the eyelid that can be red, brown, or black, broken skin on the eyelid that does not heal and a change in the appearance of the eyelid skin. Other signs and symptoms of eyelid cancer appear on the eyelid skin and can include:

  • A painless, reddish growth that feels smooth, shiny, and firm.
  • A sore that bleeds or develops a scab.
  • A rough, brown, or red patch.

Does eyelid cancer cause pain?

It’s rare to experience pain unless the cancer has extended to the nerves or inside the eye and has elevated the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

How do I know if I have eyelid cancer?

Eyelid cancer might not always display obvious symptoms and may only be detected during a regular eye examination.

Signs of eyelid cancer may include:

  • A swelling on your eyelid that’s getting larger.
  • Persistent skin irritation with loss of fine lanugo hair on the skin.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Bleeding from the lump.
  • Change in colour of an eyelid lump.
  • These signs can also be caused by less serious eyelid conditions, so they do not always indicate cancer. Nonetheless, having these symptoms assessed by a doctor as soon as possible is crucial.