The Mail ran an article on a growing issue for a generation which led holidaying in the sun. A Skin Care Network patient provided their case study, with comments from our consultant.
Treating any part of our skin affected by cancer requires care, rarely more so than with the periocular region (around the eyes). A sensitive, vital area and one with a fairly high incidence of skin cancer.
Although other areas, including the eyes themselves can be at risk, eyelid cancer is the most common. This amounts to over 5% of all skin cancers, with the lower eyelid a prime contender, the upper eyelid and medial canthus (inner corner of the eye) also at risk.
Cells in the outer and inner layers of your skin, the epidermis and dermis, along with cells in hair follicles, or oil and sweat glands, can become cancerous. They bring a need for specialist skin cancer care.
Whilst melanomas can occur around the eye, which often spread, the majority of cases are non melanoma. However, the nature of local tissue and connections cause a higher than usual risk of the cancer spreading, a serious issue near the eye.
Diagnosing Eyelid Cancer
The symptoms of eyelid cancer and other periocular cancers vary from person to person. You may have a mole which has changed shape, begun to bleed, or become an irritant, a growth, sore, ulcer, or red spot.
They can arise for non cancerous reasons, or might be tell tale signs. The important need is to know which is the case and we will arrange for you to see a consultant who specialises in the periocular region.
Their skill and experience, along with state of the art diagnostic equipment can provide detailed answers. We hope they offer good news, although if there is a problem of any type, the finest treatment is available.
Eyelid Cancer Treatment
We refer to eyelid cancer treatment as this is the most common but our London clinics treat all areas and skin conditions around the eye. An experienced, multi-disciplinary team, offering patients a complete range of treatment.
This ensures your eyelid cancer, or other conditions will be well treated. Our policy of minimum intervention and maximum cosmetic care always at the centre of decisions.
Radiation therapy, or cryotherapy (freezing) may be used to treat certain types of eye cancers, or in addition to surgery in a few aggressive cases. Superficial and precancerous lesions can be treated with immune modulating, topical drugs.
A good proportion of eyelid cancer treatment will however require surgery. Complete removal of periocular skin cancers is essential in reducing recurrence and to prevent spread to other parts of the body.
Whilst a normal surgical approach could be used, we almost always follow the path of Mohs surgery. Skin Care Network have respected Mohs surgeons in house, with experience of surgery around the eye and eyelid.
Mohs surgery is built on the principle of minimal intervention, with high cure rates and prevention of recurrence, along with reduced cosmetic damage.
Reconstructive & Opthalmic Surgery
Where treating eyelid cancer brings a need for cosmetic surgery, our periocular specialist is a leader in the field. Her work focused on maintaining eye function, as well as appearance.
Surgery could range from carefully stitching the edges of wounds together, to skin grafts, such as a “lid sharing” operation. In each case performed by an opthalmic plastic surgeon, used to the unique, mobile skin around our eyes.
Their skill protects the eye and helps ensure a good cosmetic outcome. Appearance is critical following any skin cancer treatment, more so for the region in the centre of our face.
Our Care For Eyelid Cancer
Skin Care Network offer focused eyelid cancer treatment in London, along with diagnosis and treatment for all skin cancers around the eye.
You can see further details below on Sabrina Shah-Desai, our periocular lead and ophthalmic plastic surgeon. The link there will offer more, and a view of our all our consultant dermatologists, including Mohs surgeons.
The level of professionalism they offer is matched by all our and facilities, although we hope more than matched by the support our patients are offered at clinics in Central London and North London.
If you wish to arrange a consultation, or to simply talk through any issues relating to eye, or eyelid cancer diagnosis and treatment, we will be pleased to help in any way we can.
Treatment around the eye should be led by a specialist, not least to protect your vision. Our ophthalmologist & ophthalmic plastic surgeon is there to ensure you receive the best care. See more on:
Sabrina Shah-Desai, Eye Specialist, Skincare Network