What are the characteristics of eyelid skin cancer?
The most common types of eyelid cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both of these cancers enlarge locally and usually do not metastasize or spread to other body parts. If not completely removed, however, over time either type may invade adjacent structures. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas grow slowly, so early detection and treatment allows a much better chance of removing the tumor completely and permanently. Two types of more serious and faster growing eyelid skin cancers are sebaceous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Sebaceous gland carcinoma and malignant melanoma cancers may spread to other parts of the body and require prompt and aggressive treatment. Although most eyelid tumors are benign, you will need a simple biopsy to be sure the tumor is not malignant.
