Characteristics and behavior of eyelid carcinoma (basal cell, squamous cell sebaceous gland, and malignant melanoma)

M Loeffler1, A Hornblass

  • 1Department of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York.

Ophthalmic Surgery
|July 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Eyelid malignant tumors are a significant threat due to their location. Early recognition and treatment of common eyelid skin carcinomas are crucial for optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Malignant eyelid tumors present a serious threat due to their anatomical proximity to vital structures like the globe, brain, and paranasal sinuses.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and biologic behavior of these tumors is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the features of four common skin carcinomas affecting the eyelid skin.
  • To emphasize clinical presentation and biologic behavior for early recognition.
  • To present a rational treatment approach for eyelid malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical features of common eyelid skin carcinomas.
  • Emphasis on clinical presentation and biologic behavior.
  • Discussion of a rational treatment strategy.

Main Results:

  • Four common skin carcinomas involving the eyelid skin were reviewed.
  • Clinical manifestations and biologic behavior were highlighted.
  • An approach for rational treatment was outlined.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition and treatment of eyelid skin carcinomas lead to the best cosmetic and functional results.
  • Awareness of clinical manifestations is vital for clinicians.
  • A structured treatment approach is necessary for managing these serious tumors.

Related Concept Videos

Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells01:12

Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells

The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
Cells of the Epidermis01:24

Cells of the Epidermis

The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands01:21

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands

A sebaceous gland is a type of oil gland found almost all over the skin ( except palms and soles) and helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles. They generate and excrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface, thereby naturally lubricating the dry and dead layer of keratinized cells of the stratum corneum, keeping it pliable.
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Layers of the Epidermis01:21

Layers of the Epidermis

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...