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A tumor is an abnormal growth of any tissue or structure and can be either benign or malignant. A tumor can affect any part of the eye and eyelid. Sometimes tumors grow into the eye area, or tumors from other parts of the body travel to the eye. Eyelid tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). False tumors (granulomas) caused by inflammation may also occur. Most eyelid tumors are benign; however, it may be difficult to distinguish between the 2 types unless the tissue is examined microscopically via biopsy.
Eyelid tumors that grow on the inner aspect of the eyelid may rub the eyeball and cause pain and damage to the eye. Signs associated with the eyelid tumors may include tearing, redness, eye discoloration, excessive blinking and pain. Basal cell carcinomas are the most frequent type of malignant tumor to affect the eyelid (85-95% of all malignant eyelid tumors). It appears as a raised, firm, pearly nodule with tiny dilated blood vessels. If the nodule is in the eyelash area, some lashes may be missing. The nodule may have some superficial ulceration and crusting and look like a chalazion or stye. While these tumors are malignant, they rarely spread elsewhere in the body. These tumors tend to occur in sun exposed areas of elderly fair-skinned people. Any pigmented area should be examined, especially if it is growing or changing color.
Management
Diagnosis is afforded by ocular exam and biopsy. Eyelids tumor should be removed. Eyelid tumors may grow so much to necessitate a large section of eyelid tissue be removed to completely eliminate the entire tumor. In those cases, eyelid reconstruction (plastic surgery) may be required to retain proper eyelid function. Removal of eyelid tumors in their early stages helps avoid the need for extensive surgery and improves the pet's prognosis. For most of these tumors, surgery is the most effective treatment. In severe cases when the tumor has been neglected for a long time, it can spread into the eyesocket, which may ultimately require removal of the eye and adjacent tissue.