Eyelid Skin Cancer


This is skin cancer which effects the eyelids, usually the lower eyelid. 

Types of Eyelid Skin Cancer

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Sebaceous Cell Carcinoma
  • Malignant Melanoma

The first two types of eyelid skin cancer rarely spread throughout the body unless untreated.  They can often be removed quite efficiently, if they spread slowly over time particularly if they are detected early.  The latter two types of cancer are more serious and can spread throughout the body and can do so quite rapidly. 

Risk Factors for Eyelid Skin Cancer

  • Light Skin Tones - People with fair skin tones are more likely to develop skin cancer than those with darker coloured skin.
  • Sunlight Exposure - Sunlight is known to cause skin cancer
  • Family History - There is an increased risk of developing eyelid skin cancer if there is a family history of its occurrence and therefore it may be hereditary.

Symptoms of Eyelid Skin Cancer

  • Bumps can be felt and/or seen on the skin surface.  They are painless and will remain overtime unless treated.  Not all skin elevations are cancerous and should be examined by a doctor.
  • Ulcers
  • Bleeding
  • Crusting
  • Skin Distortion

Treatment of Eyelid Skin Cancer

Eyelid skin cancers are usually removed surgically, using cryotherapy (freezing) or hyfrecation (burning).  If the cancer has progressed quite significantly and the cancer is quite large, plastic surgery may be required to improve the aesthetics of the eyelid following tumour removal and to ensure that the eyelid still works effectively.  Following removal, freezing therapy and radiation may be required for some time to ensure that all the cancer has been removed and to stop it from reoccurring. 


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.