| EYELID & FACIAL CANCER AND LESIONS |
WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth
and spread of abnormal cells. A tumor results when certain
cells grow into a mass of tissue. Tumors can be either
benign or malignant.
Benign tumors may require surgical treatment because they
interfere with body functions. Because they do not invade
neighboring tissue, benign tumors seldom are considered
life-threatening.
Malignant tumors invade and destroy normal tissue. Cells
from malignant tumors break away and spread to other
parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems.
Cancer can grow and spread rapidly or can take years to
develop.
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth
and spread of abnormal cells. A tumor results when certain
cells grow into a mass of tissue. Tumors can be either
benign or malignant.
Benign tumors may require surgical treatment because they
interfere with body functions. Because they do not invade
neighboring tissue, benign tumors seldom are considered
life-threatening.
Malignant tumors invade and destroy normal tissue. Cells
from malignant tumors break away and spread to other
parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic systems.
Cancer can grow and spread rapidly or can take years to
develop.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| 623-977-9000 |
There are numerous non-malignant skin lesions that appear
around the eyelids or other areas of the face which need to be
distinguished from skin cancer. A few examples of the most
common facial skin growths are shown here.
Chalazion
- an obstruction with inflammation of the eyelid glands
Keratosis
- Also known as "old age" spots"
- important to watch these areas for change
- can be precancerous
- appear as scaly patches of skin that can be flat or raised and
dark in color
Papilloma
- an overgrowth of some of the skin elements (skin tags)
Sebaceous Cyst
- Slow growing cyst containing cheesy material
Xanthelasma
- Yellow patches of fatty material commonly occurring at the
corners of the eyelids.
Home About Dr. Victor Eyecare Services Eyelid & Eye Conditions Cancer & Lesions Optical Shop Patient Information
Photo Gallery Map & Directions FAQs Helpful Links Contact Us
Photo Gallery Map & Directions FAQs Helpful Links Contact Us
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?
Surgical excision is the method of choice for most facial skin
cancers and eyelid malignancies. Surgical excision, in which a
pathologist examines the removed tissue, gives the patient the
lowest incidence of recurrence and often the best cosmetic result.
Burning, freezing and radiation treatment, although often used to
treat skin cancers, do not actually allow proof of the initial diagnosis
of cancer or guarantee complete eradication of all tumor cells.
Most benign facial growths can be removed easily in Dr. Victor's
office using a local anesthetic. Skin cancer surgery and biopsies
are covered by Medicare and private insurance companies and are
performed at Boswell Hospital in their outpatient surgery center.
Surgical excision is the method of choice for most facial skin
cancers and eyelid malignancies. Surgical excision, in which a
pathologist examines the removed tissue, gives the patient the
lowest incidence of recurrence and often the best cosmetic result.
Burning, freezing and radiation treatment, although often used to
treat skin cancers, do not actually allow proof of the initial diagnosis
of cancer or guarantee complete eradication of all tumor cells.
Most benign facial growths can be removed easily in Dr. Victor's
office using a local anesthetic. Skin cancer surgery and biopsies
are covered by Medicare and private insurance companies and are
performed at Boswell Hospital in their outpatient surgery center.
More than 500,000 people develop skin cancer each year, making it
the most prevalent of all cancers. Arizona has one of the highest
incidences of skin cancer. People with fair skin and red or blond hair
have a tendency to burn easily and are most prone to skin cancer.
However, anyone who spends a great deal of time in the sun is at
risk. Approximately 90% of all skin cancers occur in sun exposed
areas of the body - the face, tips of the ears, hands and forearms.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
More than 75% of all eyelid tumors are benign growths such a
keratosis, nevi (moles) and chalazions (sties.) Basal cell carcinoma
is the most common eyelid malignancy, comprising more that 90% of
all eyelid cancers and nearly 20% of eyelid tumors in general.
The following are examples of malignant skin cancers:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant Melanoma
the most prevalent of all cancers. Arizona has one of the highest
incidences of skin cancer. People with fair skin and red or blond hair
have a tendency to burn easily and are most prone to skin cancer.
However, anyone who spends a great deal of time in the sun is at
risk. Approximately 90% of all skin cancers occur in sun exposed
areas of the body - the face, tips of the ears, hands and forearms.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
More than 75% of all eyelid tumors are benign growths such a
keratosis, nevi (moles) and chalazions (sties.) Basal cell carcinoma
is the most common eyelid malignancy, comprising more that 90% of
all eyelid cancers and nearly 20% of eyelid tumors in general.
The following are examples of malignant skin cancers:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- most common skin cancer
- occurs on sun exposed areas
- tumors usually elevated and pale with prominent blood
vessels - central area of tumor may become ulcerated
- locally destructive and invasive
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- second most common malignant skin tumor
- can arise from previously sun-damaged skin
- appears as red, scaly, elevated area, or area that doesn't heal
- can spread
Malignant Melanoma
- rarely involves the eyelids
- can arise from new areas of pigmentation or from some
moles - can grow by superficial spreading, and my become nodular
- usually curable if detected early
- advanced cases can be fatal
