What Is Eyelid Cancer?

Most cancer of the eyelids is skin cancer. Because the eyelid skin is very thin and sensitive to sun exposure, it's a common area for skin cancer to develop.

About 90% of eyelid cancers are basal cell carcinoma, and another 5% are squamous cell skin cancer. These two types of skin cancer are highly treatable, especially if the tumors are found and treated early. Other, more rare types of eyelid cancer include:

• Melanoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
  
• Sebaceous cell carcinoma

You can help prevent skin cancer of the eyelid with sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Eyelid Cancer Expertise at Stanford

At the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford, our eye physicians see many complex cases from community hospitals throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Physicians refer their patients to us because of our team's high level of skill and expertise in treating eyelid cancer.

Our eye experts work closely with colleagues in dermatology to provide seamless care for our patients with skin cancer of the eyelid:

• The dermatologists specialize in using Mohs surgery, the gold-standard procedure for treating basal and squamous cell skin cancer, for the best possible outcomes.
  
• Then, our ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with deep knowledge of eye function and plastic surgery, perform the delicate task of reconstructing the eyelid.

Eyelid Cancer Treatment

As an academic medical center, our dedication to research sets us apart from community hospitals and private practices. Through our eye care physicians, our patients can participate clinical trials to access the latest, most advanced treatments for their cancer. That means that you can receive cutting-edge treatments that are available only at facilities like Stanford.

Find out more about the options we offer for eyelid cancer treatment.