Eyelid tumours are frequent and most often benign. Some, however, are malignant — basal cell carcinoma first among them — and their prognosis depends directly on early diagnosis: a lesion detected early is removed with simple surgery and an excellent result.
Risk factors
Cumulative lifetime sun exposure (UV) is the main factor. Added to this are fair skin, age, a personal or family history of skin cancer and conditions of immunosuppression.
The different types
Benign tumours are the most frequent: hidrocystoma (cyst), papilloma, naevus (mole), xanthelasma, molluscum, chalazion. Among malignant tumours: basal cell carcinoma (about 90 % of cases, slow local growth, mostly on the lower eyelid), squamous cell carcinoma (rarer and more aggressive), sebaceous carcinoma (rare, it can mimic a recurring chalazion) and the exceptional melanoma.
Warning signs
A lesion that grows over weeks or months, an ulcer or crust that does not heal, repeated bleeding, localised loss of lashes (madarosis), induration or distortion of the eyelid margin, a chalazion that keeps recurring in the same spot, or a changing mole. Any of these signs calls for a slit-lamp examination; a biopsy is performed at the slightest doubt.
Surgical treatment
Treatment is based on complete excision of the lesion with histopathological analysis. For a malignant tumour, safety margins are respected — sometimes in two stages, with reconstruction performed only after clear margins are confirmed. Reconstruction is adapted to the tissue loss: direct suture, flap or skin graft. This surgery is detailed on the eyelid tumour surgery page. Regular follow-up and sun protection are then recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chalazion hide a tumour?
Rarely, yes: sebaceous carcinoma can look like a chalazion. That is why a chalazion that keeps recurring in the same spot warrants excision with analysis.
Should a benign tumour be operated on?
Not systematically: excision is discussed in case of discomfort (rubbing, watering), diagnostic doubt or an aesthetic request.
How can eyelid tumours be prevented?
Sun protection is the best prevention: sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen on the eyelids. And have any changing lesion examined without delay.
Information sheets from the French Society of Ophthalmology
To read before your procedure — information and consent sheet (in French):
📄 Surgical removal of an eyelid tumour (SFO sheet No. 60)PDFBook an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).