Eyelid and orbital tumours

They are tumours that occur around the eyelid or in the orbit (the cavity where the eyeball is located).

Eyelid tumours are very common; they are mostly benign and can easily be treated without leaving a visible scar. A variety of malignant tumours also exist, which can affect the periocular region (around the eye).

Orbital tumours are rare. The majority are benign and develop slowly. Some malignant tumours can, however, appear suddenly and grow rapidly. In these cases, patients should visit an ophthalmologist as a matter of urgency, as immediate treatment may be required.

Some eyelid tumours are related to exposure to the sun and usually occur in people over the age of 40. Fair skin is a major risk factor. In the case of orbital tumours, many of them are congenital in origin.

Preventative measures can only be taken for eyelid tumours, such as ensuring protection from the sun, especially for people with fair skin.

In other cases, it is difficult to take preventative action, but early diagnosis and treatment is important. In the most serious cases, early detection can be crucial to save the eye, vision and even the patient’s life.

People with nodules, warts, ulcerations or other irregularities in the eyelid area should have these lesions checked periodically.

If it changes shape, colour, consistency (bleeding, ulceration), clinical conditions (itching) or size, the patient should visit the ophthalmologist to have the lesion removed and examined for identification.