TUMORS, RESECTION AND BIOPSY
Eyelid tumors are very common and a frequent reason for visits to the ophthalmologist. They encompass a wide variety of lesions that can be benign or malignant.
Most are benign, generally asymptomatic, and merely a cosmetic problem; they appear as "moles," "cysts," or "warts." In some cases, they can grow, multiply, and affect the free edge of the eyelid, which then becomes a functional problem. Treatment is simple; it may require resection, cauterization, or cryotherapy, and leaves no significant scarring.
There are also a variety of malignant tumors that can affect the eyelids; there are several types, the most common being basal cell carcinoma.
They usually occur in people over 40 years of age. The most important risk factors are chronic sun exposure and fair skin. Initially, they appear suddenly as nodules, bumps, or pimples, the same color as the skin or more pigmented. Their growth rate varies, generally growing rapidly within a matter of months, and changes in color, shape, or ulceration ("non-healing scabs") begin to appear.
Many of these changes are so rapid that patients don't notice them initially, until they are in advanced stages. For this reason, if any lesion is found on the eyelid, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist, who will perform a detailed examination using a slit lamp to identify signs of malignancy and decide on treatment.
Treatment for malignant eyelid tumors usually begins with a biopsy, a surgical procedure performed under a microscope, in which a portion or the entire lesion is removed for pathology examination to clarify the diagnosis.
Depending on the outcome, major surgery may be required to completely resect the remaining tumor and clear the edges of the eyelid. Depending on the case, eyelid tumors may require the removal of a significant portion of the eyelid. The ophthalmologist, a subspecialist in Ocular Plastic Surgery, then reconstructs the affected eyelid to restore the appearance and function of the eyelid. This may require the use of flaps or grafts taken from the other eyelid, the periocular area, or distant sites, such as behind the ear.
Unfortunately, there are very advanced cases where the malignant tumor of the eyelids It extends and invades the surface of the eyeball or penetrates the orbit, requiring more aggressive surgeries and often requiring complementary radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
After surgery to control the disease, there may be recurrence of the lesions. malignant over time in the same place or in its vicinity, so periodic follow-ups with a specialist are required.
After surgery, it's important not to touch or rub your operated eye under any circumstances. For the first two months, dry your face only by gently patting it. You can wash your hair normally the day after surgery.
Three days after surgery, you can participate in sports, but you should wait two weeks for aquatic sports, and two to three months for contact sports. This is indefinitely possible if you suffer a severe blow to the cornea (flap) that is raised during surgery.
You should avoid using mascara and eyeliner for the first two weeks.