The eyelid is the protective shield and the cosmetic, charm of the human eye (see Chapter 2). It consists of, layers of tissue, each of which can give rise to benign and, malignant tumors. This chapter outlines the epidemiology,, differentiating features, and diagnosis of the most, common benign and malignant eyelid tumors (Mind, maps 36-1 to 36-7)., Eyelid cancer constitutes 5%–10% of all skin cancers, the, 4 most common being BCC, SCC, SGCa, and melanoma, (Fig. 36-1). It is important to note that nearly 82%–98%, of all eyelid tumors are benign.1-3 For example, squamous, papilloma, seborrheic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, and, nevi are common benign epithelial tumors of the eyelid., Benign tumors are also more prevalent in the younger, age groups, e.g., dermoid and epithelial tumors comprise, the majority of childhood adnexal tumors.1 Most eyelid, tumors are visible and easily recognized early by the, patient or the parent., Challenges to diagnosis and management include:,
- Older patients often ignore and delay seeking medical, attention.,
- Involvement of the lid margin and palpebral conjunctiva, go unnoticed.,
- Malignant lesions can simulate benign conditions.,
- The eyelid structures are in proximity with the orbit,, allowing contiguous extension.,
- The lymphatic and vascular supply of the head and, neck allow potential routes of metastasis.,
- Extensive surgery with wide margins can result in, unacceptable functional and cosmetic results.
Eyelid tumors can be classified based on tissue of origin, as benign or malignant (Table 36-1). However, in, clinic it is helpful to divide them into melanocytic or, nonmelanocytic (Mind maps 36-1, 36-2). AJCC staging, provides prognostic TNM information that assists, patient management.1,3