The large and small protrusions that form around our eyes can be cosmetically disturbing. Furthermore, some of these masses can be dangerous because they can contain malignant cells. It is very important for the patient’s safety to have these masses examined by an experienced surgeon.
How are masses on the eyelid diagnosed?
Masses around the eye can usually be distinguished clinically, and the vast majority of them are benign. A common belief among the public is that masses known as ‘moles’ should not be touched because they will turn into cancer when touched. This belief has no scientific validity. A sample can be safely taken from these and similar masses for diagnostic purposes and a definitive diagnosis can be made by examining the sample under a microscope. During these procedures, the entire mass can also be removed and permanent treatment is provided in cases where the pathological result is benign.
Which benign masses are most commonly seen on the eyelids?
The most common masses on the eyelids are styes that develop from the eyelid oil channels. They occur due to the hardening and cystification of the liquid oils in the channels after they are infected by microbes that usually affect the eyelash root. While 80-90% of them recover with appropriate drug treatment; those that do not recover within 2-3 weeks and become encapsulated are removed with surgery.
Most of the fluid-containing cysts located on the eyelid eyelash edge are caused by sweat glands. Bursting them causes the cyst to come back larger; Therefore, the appropriate treatment is to surgically remove the entire cyst along with the cyst wall. Small protrusions, pieces of flesh, and moles can be surgically removed with a short procedure under local anesthesia.
Can there be malignant masses on the eyelid?
Yes, there can be. The most common malignant mass we encounter on the eyelid is basal cell carcinoma. This cancer, which an experienced oculoplastic surgeon can easily diagnose with a clinical examination, is not very scary because it grows very slowly and does not spread to the surrounding areas, but it should be surgically removed when seen due to its potential to grow and damage the surrounding tissues. In this way, it is often possible to get rid of these masses permanently.
Another type of cancer that can be confused with these masses, squamous cell cancer, is more invasive and dangerous. Again, sebaceous cell cancer and malignant melanoma type cancers that can be seen on our eyelids are dangerous types; since they can threaten not only our eyes but also our lives, the patient should definitely be examined by an oculoplastic surgeon who is an expert in eyelid masses. The fact that masses that are thought to be ‘very frequently recurring styes’ in the same area are actually cancer that has not been recognized from the beginning can endanger the patient’s health.
Even in very large masses of the eyelid, there are treatment options that can completely get rid of the mass with oculoplastic surgery and provide cosmetic improvement close to the original. It is necessary not to overlook cancer underlying very small and insignificant masses.
It is important to reach an oculoplastic surgeon who can make the correct diagnosis for all kinds of masses on your eyelid, regardless of size, and who can provide treatment options that protect your health with surgical treatments when necessary while ideally preserving the eyelid-eye integrity cosmetically.