Tumors of the Eyelids and Their Treatment by Radiotherapy

Abstract

Tumors of the eyelids are the commonest of all cancers encountered in ophthalmology. They frequently arise from actinically damaged skin or from preexisting lesions. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common, melanoma is the most serious, and keratoacanthoma or its acute epithelial variant, the most puzzling. In addition, adenocarcinomas arise from the appendageal structures in the skin. Eyelid tumors rarely metastasize and have little effect on survival. Their importance lies in their special site, with the ability to penetrate all layers of the eyelid. These destructive lesions, involving the lid margin or lacrimal system, can produce severe functional disability and in addition can be very disfiguring. Because of the specialized function of the eyelids and the proximity to the eye, treatment presents many technical problems. Radiotherapy is an effective and cost-effective method of treatment but it is not the only treatment.