BASAL CELL CANCER of THE EYELID

Basal cell carcinoma , which occurs mostly in exposed area of skin to ultraviolet light. Basal cell cancer of the eyelid is the most common malignancy of the eyelids and is common in light-skinned people. It is slowly growing, looks like a firm ulcer on the skin that does not heal, and gradually develops a dimple at the center. It is painless but can be irritating and can sometimes bleed. If this tumor develops in the eyelids, it is usually located at the lower lid margin.

An excisional biopsy of the tumor to confirm the diagnosis before surgical excision is recommended. This tumor is locally invasive and does not spread to other areas of the body, therefore a radical surgical excision of the tumor is considered a cure. Usually the doctors extend the incision to the normal skin around the tumor to make sure no piece of cancerous tissue is left behind and prevent recurrence of the tumor.