Eyelid skin cancer is not something most people think about often. However, the eyelid area is one of the most common sites for nonmelanoma skin cancers. Treating skin cancer of the eyelid poses special challenges, since eyelids are composed of extremely specialized mobile skin. Fortunately, eyelid skin cancer treatment is possible with the following methods:
Treating Eyelid Skin Cancer
Eyelid skin cancer is a common reason patients seek specialized care from Dr. Zoumalan. Dr. Zoumalan specializes in the removal of eyelid skin cancer and eyelid reconstruction. His extensive training using the advanced techniques in reconstruction and healing have allowed his patients to recover successfully from the procedure while providing a result as natural appearing as possible. Dr. Zoumalan has performed thousands of eyelid reconstructive surgeries and many of them have involved skin cancer and eyelid reconstruction.
Common Conditions
The most common eyelid skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and sebaceous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is also seen but it is not as common as basal cell carcinoma and the others that were mentioned above. Basal cell carcinoma is most commonly seen in fair skinned individuals with a history of prolonged sun exposure. It is important to have any new bumps or moles around your face, eyelids and body evaluated by a dermatologist or by a plastic surgeon to be sure it is not cancerous.
Mohs Surgery
Dr. Zoumalan typically works with a dermatologist who is trained in Mohs surgery for eyelid skin cancer treatment. Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer with a high cure rate. It is one of the many methods of attaining complete margin control during removal of a skin cancer using frozen section histology. After a dermatologist completes the Mohs surgery on the patient, Dr. Zoumalan will then perform the eyelid reconstruction procedure. There are several methods used in eyelid reconstruction, and they all depend on numerous factors such as:
● Age of patient and the laxity of the eyelid tissue
● Amount of tissue missing (defect) after having the skin cancer removed
● Location of the defect (upper lid, lower lid, medial or lateral lid) and if it involves the tear duct system
Depending on these factors, reconstruction can be performed by utilizing a variety of techniques to help fill in the missing area of skin. Dr. Zoumalan uses minimally invasive techniques for optimal recovery and minimizing local trauma to the surrounding healthy tissue. Dr. Zoumalan’s vast experience in reconstructive surgery allows for him to use many advanced techniques such as local advancement of tissue to fill in the defect, local skin and muscle flaps, and lid tightening techniques. Skin grafts may need to be used in certain cases.
Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery
The surgery can either be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room. This decision will depend on the size of the lesion and how much tissue loss is expected. Larger defects and cases that involve the tear duct system will require the patient to be sedated in the operating room. You and Dr. Zoumalan will discuss these options once you meet with him for your consultation. Dr. Zoumalan will perform a careful examination before your Mohs surgery as well as after it is removed to ensure you are prepared for your reconstruction surgery.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Undergoing an eyelid skin cancer treatment can be an intimidating process, however, Dr. Zoumalan and his team will be there throughout your entire care to make sure you have an excellent experience and recovery period.
Dr. Christopher Zoumalan is a board-certified Oculoplastic surgeon that exclusively specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. He is one of a handful of plastic surgeons that has received subspecialty training as a board-certified Oculoplastic Surgeon. His specialties include cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and brows, blepharoplasty surgery, eyelid reconstructive surgery, and ptosis surgery. Dr. Zoumalan is also well-recognized for his work in reconstructive eyelid surgery as well as the removal of eyelid skin cancer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
