Eyelid and orbital tumours

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Eyelid and Orbital Tumours

Be 100% aware of small lumps, warts, or “spots”

Exophthalmos is a sign of alarm of an orbital tumour

What Are Eyelid and Orbital Tumours?

Eyelid and orbital tumours are abnormal growths that occur around the eyelid or within the orbit (the cavity where the eyeball is located).

  • Eyelid tumours are common, with most being benign and easily treated without leaving visible scars. However, some malignant tumours can also affect the periocular region (around the eye).
  • Orbital tumours are rare, with the majority being benign and developing slowly. However, some malignant tumours can appear suddenly and grow rapidly. These cases require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist as immediate treatment may be necessary.

What Causes Eyelid and Orbital Tumours?

  • Eyelid tumours are often related to sun exposure, and typically occur in individuals over the age of 40. Those with fair skin are at greater risk.
  • Orbital tumours are often congenital (present from birth) but can also develop later.

How Can They Be Prevented?

  • Preventative measures are limited to eyelid tumours: avoiding excessive sun exposure, particularly for people with fair skin, can reduce the risk.
  • For orbital tumours, preventative measures are difficult to apply. However, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. In severe cases, early detection can save vision, the eye, or even the patient’s life.

If you have nodules, warts, ulcerations, or other irregularities on your eyelid, they should be checked periodically. If these lesions change in shape, color, consistency (e.g., bleeding or ulceration), or size, or cause symptoms like itching, consult an ophthalmologist immediately for evaluation.

Symptoms of Eyelid and Orbital Tumours

  • Eyelid tumours are usually visible and present as nodules or ulcers. Many people dismiss small lumps or “bumps,” but these can be signs of a tumour.
  • Orbital tumours may cause symptoms such as:
    • Proptosis or exophthalmos (forward displacement of the eyeball)
    • Pain
    • Changes in ocular mobility
    • Displacement of the eyeball
    • Vision loss due to optic nerve compression by the tumour

Malignant tumours can appear suddenly and grow rapidly without prior symptoms.

Associated Treatments

  • Eyelid tumours are treated by removal through minimally invasive surgery. For malignant tumours, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be necessary in coordination with an oncologist.
  • Since eyelid tumours may require the removal of significant eyelid tissue, reconstructive surgery is often performed by an oculoplastic surgeon to restore both the appearance and function of the eyelid.
  • Malignant lesions can recur in the same or nearby areas, so periodic follow-ups are recommended after surgery.

Surgical options include:

  • Benign tumour surgery
  • Malignant tumour surgery
  • Exenteration (removal of the contents of the orbit)
  • Orbital reconstruction
  • Eyelid reconstruction