The prevalence of various eyelid skin lesions in a single-centre observation study.

Abstract

IntroductionThe role of the eyelids is to protect and moisturise the eye. Despite its small relative surface area, 5–10% of skin cancers originate in the eyelids.AimTo assess the prevalence of different types of skin lesions in the area of eyelids based on retrospective histopathology data from a tertiary centre.Material and methodsAmong 544 included eyelid lesions, 429 (79%) were benign and 115 (21%) were malignant. In the benign group, the most common finding was a chalazion (49.2%) followed by squamous papilloma (22.8%), seborrheic keratitis (10%), epidermal cyst (8.2%), and intradermal nevus (5.1%). Out of all malignant lesions, the most common diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in 110 (95.7%) patients.ResultsSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was diagnosed in 3 (2.6%) patients and sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) in 2 (1.7%). No malignant melanoma was identified in the studied group.ConclusionsAlthough benign lesions are the most common eyelid tumours, it is essential to differentiate between benign and malignant eyelid tumours because early detection and appropriate treatment may improve the cosmetic effect and reduce recurrences.