Despite their small surface area, up to 10 percent of all skin cancers occur on the eyelids.
-Skin Cancer Foundation
“Eyelid skin cancer is not something most people think about”, said C. William Hanke, MD, senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “With their thin, delicate structures, the eyes and surrounding areas are particularly prone to cancers. And it’s an area people often forget to protect from the sun.”
What are the warning signs?
Early detection is essential, but may be difficult because eyelid tumors often grow under the skin for years before presenting on the surface. Most eyelid skin cancers occur on the lower lid, which receives the greatest amount of sun exposure.
Early warning signs may include:
- A lump or bump that frequently bleeds or does not disappear
- Persistent red eye or inflammation of the eyelids that does not respond to medication
- Newly acquired flat or elevated pigmented lesions that have irregular borders and growth
- Unexplained loss of eyelashes
For more information visit the Skin Cancer Foundation
