Eyelid & Facial Skin Cancers at Baltimore Washington Eye Center serving greater Baltimore & Washington, D.C.

About Eyelid & Facial Skin Cancers

Eyelid & Facial Skin Cancers are becoming more and more common as people live active outdoor lifestyles and simply live longer. As part of the regular eye exam at Baltimore Washington Eye Center we take the time to carefully evaluate the skin around your eyes, your eyelids and face, as your eye health and vision are our #1 priority. Fortunately, although growths on the eyelids and surrounding skin are common, the vast majority of these lesions are benign and can be easily removed in the office. Our approach to growths on the eyelids and face is similar what you might have been told or experienced regarding skin growths elsewhere on your body.

That is…CHANGES IN APPEARANCE, SIZE OR COLOR OF GROWTHS ON THE SKIN OF YOUR EYELIDS OR FACIAL GROWTHS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO YOUR EYE DOCTOR.

Sometimes, a biopsy may be required. This procedure is quick, relatively simple and not uncomfortable. Baltimore Washington Eye Center doctors have years of experience in evaluating and treating all forms of abnormal growths of the face and eyelids. Should a biopsy determine that the growth in question is malignant or cancerous, we will take the time necessary to fully explain your treatment options and help you make the best decision for your care.

There are several common types of malignant growths of the eyelid and face that we typically look for. These include:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is by far, the most common malignant or cancerous growth of the eyelid. For the most part, this is a very slow growing malignancy that may be present for several months before it is recognized. This type of eyelid or skin cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it does require removal. Our physicians will perform an evaluation of any abnormal growth of the face and eyelids and may recommend an in office biopsy. The biopsy will be evaluated by a board certified pathologist and should it be determined that the growth is malignant, further management may be required. This may include a simple office procedure or may require extensive removal and reconstruction in an operating room setting, often under anesthesia. Reconstruction may require simple closure with sutures or use of skin grafts or flaps.

Once the tumor is removed completely, IT IS IMPORTANT that we keep you under observation over the next several years. It is unlikely that the tumor will recur or cause further problems, but once you have a single basal cell carcinoma, it is certainly more likely to have others in the coming years. Generally, patients do extremely well and most patients who undergo resection and reconstruction of a Basal Cell Carcinoma can have little or no residual cosmetic deformity.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also a relatively slow growing eyelid or skin cancer. It does however, have a greater potential to invade the surrounding tissue, as well as metastasize and spread. It can also travel along nerve roots and therefore, can often cause pain. Fortunately, it is much less common than Basal Cell Cancers. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be treated much in the same way as Basal Cell Cancer, although it may require a wider excision, sometimes requiring collaboration with a dermatologist specializing in Mohs surgery.

Sebaceous Cell Adenocarcinoma

Sebaceous Cell Adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, but it is very specific to the eyelids. It can clinically mimic several other benign problems of the eye and it is therefore misdiagnosed or diagnosed after some time delay. It most frequently occurs in patients in their 70’s and 80’s but can occur at any age. It is serious in the sense that it has metastatic potential and is more likely to spread. Diagnosis can be difficult even when an adequate biopsy specimen is obtained and sent for pathologic evaluation.

Melanoma

Like other parts of the body, an abnormal coloration to the skin can represent a Melanoma or something along the spectrum of a Melanoma. While eyelid or facial melanomas are rare, any pigmented lesion around the eyelid deserves our attention. The guidelines for attention to abnormal coloration of the skin on the eyelids or face are similar to the guidelines for pigmented lesions or moles on other parts of the body.

Changes in Color, Size or Behavior All Warrant Our Evaluation & Possible Biopsy.

Please be sure to point out any concerns that you have about facial or eyelid skin lesions, especially if they are new or have changed in color, size, shape, appearance or have become bothersome.

Our doctors provide examination, diagnosis and treatment of all types of eyelid and facial skin cancers in the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. Patients will find that Baltimore Washington Eye Center has two convenient locations: Glen Burnie across from Baltimore Washington Medical Center and Clarksville, just minutes from Howard County General Hospital.

To schedule an appointment for an examination or consultation for eyelid or facial skin cancers, please call us at 800-495-3937.