Skin cancer is common in many races and ethnic groups, especially in Caucasians and in patients exposed to the sun. Eyelid skin cancer occurs frequently on the lower eyelid, and usually starts as painless elevations or nodules, with some loss of eyelashes or distortion of the eyelid margin. Skin cancer may ulcerate or bleed, and distort the eyelid architecture. It is important to have these lesions examined early on to avoid large excisions necessary to remove all the cancer cells. The surgeon can remove the eyelid cancer and reconstruct the eyelid. For more information visit www.eyecancerinfo.com.

Orbital tumors can be malignant or benign. Some cancers in other parts of the body can spread to the orbit around the eye. If the tumor involves also the brain or sinuses, a team approach to remove the tumor by Oculoplastic surgeons, Neurosurgeons and Head and Neck surgeons is often necessary.

Oncologic medications have been proven to affect the ocular surface and lacrimal system. The use of certain chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5FU and Docetaxel have been associated with narrowing and closure of the canalicular system resulting in persistent tearing. Monitoring these patients at the first signs of tearing by an ophthalmologist is recommend so that treatment can be implemented if necessary to avoid permanent damage to the tear drainage duct. Treatment may include lubricant eye drops, steroid drops, irrigation of the nasolacrimal system in the office, or intubation of the canalicular system with a silicone stent to prevent complete closure in the operating room. Permament closure may require placement of an artificial glass tube to allow tears to properly drain.

References

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