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Abstract:
The authors conducted a clinicopathologic study of 31 patients with metastatic disease to the eyelid at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Metastasis was found predominantly in women (female/male = 4:1). The mean age was 69 years (range, 3-92). The most common primary sites were breast (35%), skin (16%), and gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts (each 10%). Aside from breast carcinoma, there was no sex predilection for the extramammary malignancies to metastasize to the eyelids. Metastasis was suspected in only 32% of the cases. Most common misdiagnoses were chalazion, cyst, granuloma, and xanthoma. The lid lesions were detected before the primary focus in 45% of the cases. The authors conclude that metastatic disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyelid lesions.
Insights
Metastatic eyelid lesions are more common in women, often misdiagnosed. Consider metastatic disease in eyelid lesion differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Eyelid lesions can be challenging to diagnose.
- Metastatic disease to the eyelid is rare but significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinicopathologic features of eyelid metastases.
- To identify common primary sites and misdiagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinicopathologic study.
- Analysis of 31 patients with eyelid metastases.
- Review of patient demographics, primary sites, and clinical presentations.
Main Results:
- Predominantly affected women (4:1 ratio), mean age 69.
- Most common primary sites: breast (35%), skin (16%), GI/GU tracts (10%).
- Metastasis suspected in 32%; common misdiagnoses include chalazion, cyst, granuloma, xanthoma.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic disease is an important consideration for eyelid lesions.
- Early recognition can improve patient outcomes.
- Differential diagnosis should include metastatic disease, especially in older women.