TUMOURS OF THE EYELIDS
1. Benign Tumour
- i. Xanthoma
These are often bilateral, symmetrical, slightly raised yellow plaques situated near the inner canthus. They are common in elderly women and diabetics with excess cholesterol formation.
- ii. Haemangioma
It occurs as a localized capillary angioma or cavernous angioma. The lid may be affected along with the facial angioma as in Sturge-Weber syndrome.
- iii. Mole (naevus)
It occurs at the lid margin, involving both skin and conjuncitva. It is removed by excision as it may turn malignant.
- iv. Neurofibroma
It is usually of plexiform type affecting the upper lid as in von Recklinghausen’s disease or generalized neurofibromatosis. The thickened nerves can be felt through the skin as hard cords.
2. Malignant Tumour
- i. Squamous cell carcinoma
It affects the elderly persons usually. It is seen at the edge of the lid (transition zone) where the characteristic of epithelium changes. It starts as a nodule which ulcerates. The preauricular lymph nodes are often enlarged. Treatment—It is excised completely.
- ii. Basal cell carcinoma (Rodent ulcer)
It is the most common malignant tumour of the lid. It is seen in the lower lid near the inner canthus usually. It is locally malignant. The epithelial growth spreads under the skin in all directions. It invades and destroys the lids, orbit and bone. Treatment—If small, it is excised completely. If large, it can be treated with radiation therapy.