Skin cancer can impact any area of your body. However, most people do not consider that it could occur on the eyelids. The skin around the eyes is thin and highly delicate. It is also constantly exposed to the sun. Even those who wear sunscreen daily may forget to apply it to the eyes. It can often go undetected because the signs are often mistaken for something benign. You may wonder, how common is skin cancer around the eyes? Consider the following information to understand your risk and proactively protect yourself.
How Common Is Skin Cancer Around the Eyes?
Skin cancer can have a profound impact on your health. When left untreated, it can cause serious harm. Eyelid skin cancer is relatively common, as it accounts for roughly five to ten percent of all skin cancers. Given the small body surface area, this is a significant number of cases. Understanding your risk can help you stay healthy. Eyelid cancer prevention and treatment can save your life. Below are some of the risk factors that increase your risk of the condition.
Sun Exposure
The primary cause of most eyelid skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The eyelid’s thin skin is especially vulnerable to DNA damage from sun exposure. Over time, this damage can trigger abnormal cell growth that can lead to skin cancer. Those who go outdoors without SPF, protective eyewear, and a wide-brimmed hat increase their risk.
Fair Skin
Those with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blonde or red hair are at higher risk for eyelid skin cancer. These individuals have less melanin, which is necessary for protection against UV radiation. This makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage, which can lead to DNA mutations.
Older Adults
The risk of eyelid cancer increases as you get older. This is due to cumulative sun exposure over the years. Repeated damage to skin cells can cause mutations that lead to eyelid skin cancer. This issue is exacerbated by the decline in the body’s ability to repair itself with age. This makes older adults more vulnerable to developing skin cancer in areas like the eyelids.
Smoking
Smoking is commonly associated with a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. This is a type of skin cancer that can occur on the eyelid, especially among smokers. Tobacco smoke contains harmful carcinogens that damage DNA. It also impairs the body’s ability to repair the damage. Further, smoking can weaken immune defenses and blood flow. Together, these issues can increase the risk of skin cancer and reduce the body’s natural healing process.
Eyelid Skin Cancer Symptoms
Early detection is essential if you think you may have eyelid skin cancer. There are several signs to look out for.
- A growth on the eyelid that is red, brown, or black
- A growth that spreads or gets larger
- Broken skin on the eyelid that does not heal
- Loss of eyelashes or changes in the appearance of your eyelashes
- Eyelid swelling or thickening
- Chronic eyelid infections
- Changes in the appearance of eyelid skin
If you notice any of these changes to your eye, contact an oculoplastic surgeon right away. They can evaluate your eyes to determine the issue.
Treatment for Eyelid Skin Cancer
Once you are evaluated, a skilled surgeon can determine the right course of action. The right treatment approach depends on the size, location, and type of your skin cancer. Surgical intervention is often the most effective way to remove eyelid skin cancer.
Surgical Excision
This is the primary treatment option for eyelid skin cancers. The cancers are removed, along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. This is necessary to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind. For smaller tumors that are caught early, the procedure results in minimal scarring. The recovery is also smooth and short. It is performed under local anesthesia, and you can go home the same day. A skilled surgeon can preserve the natural appearance of the eyelid without noticeable changes.
Eyelid Reconstruction
For advanced cases of eyelid skin cancer, more tissue may need to be removed. This may necessitate reconstructive surgery to restore the eye’s function and appearance. Working with a surgeon who understands the complex nature of the eye, and who performs surgery with surgical precision, is key.
Top Oculoplastic Surgeon
Early intervention is critical with eyelid cancer. If you have any of the symptoms of the condition, contact the team at Cutler Peck Oculofacial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!