Eyelid and Orbital Tumors

A tumor is an abnormal growth of any tissue structure that can be either benign or malignant.  Benign tumors typically remain localized whereas malignant tumors often spread into surrounding areas.  Tumors can affect any part of the eye including the eye socket, eyeball, eye muscles, optic nerve, fat and tissues.  Sometimes tumors grow into the eye area, or a tumor may travel - to the eye - from another part of the body. Fortunately, most eye tumors are benign. Tumors should be diagnosed immediately and early treatment provided in order to prevent possible loss of an eye.  Dr. Cole provides treatment for both types of eye tumors – eyelid and orbital.  The following information will help to educate you about eyelid and orbital tumors and the importance of treatment.

EYELID TUMORS:

BASIL CELL CARCINOMAS

• The most frequently encountered type of malignant eyelid tumor
• Found 85%-95% of the time among all malignant eyelid tumors
• Most common location is the inner portion of the lower eyelid – favoring elderly, fair-skinned people
• Prolonged Sun exposure is thought to be a risk factor
• Nodular Basil Cell carcinoma is one of the most common types – it is raised, firm, pearly with tiny dilated blood vessels.  Causes loss of eyelashes when in the eyelash area.  Nodules may appear ulcerated with crusting and look like a “stye”
• Basil Cell Nodular types are malignant – but rarely spread elsewhere
• Basil Cell Nodular types are effectively treated with surgical removal
• Basil Cell Nodules – if neglected may spread into the eye socket – which may require removal of the eye and adjacent eye tissue

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS

• Squamous Cell carcinomas are the 2nd most common type of eyelid tumor – appearing in about 5% of malignant eye tumors
• The lower eyelid is the most common location – particularly among fair skinned,  elderly people
• Basil Cell Carcinomas appear as raised nodules & cause loss of eyelashes
• Basil Cell nodules can spread to the neck lymph nodes if neglected
• Early detection & surgical treatment achieves excellent results

SEBACEOUS CELL CARCINOMAS

• Sebaceous cell carcinoma originates in glands of the eyelids in elderly people
• Sebaceous cell tumors account for 1% - 5% of all malignant eyelid tumors
• Sebaceous cell tumors are highly malignant tumors that may recur – invade the eye sockets – or spread to lymph nodes
• Sebaceous cell tumors may look like a chalazion or stye
• Sebaceous cell tumors typically require surgical removal

MALIGNANT MELANOMAS

• Malignant melanomas comprise 1% of all malignant eyelid tumors – but are responsible for many of the deaths resulting from malignant eyelid tumors
• Malignant melanomas can arise from a pre-existing nevus or mole or may appear without any pre-existing cause
• Malignant melanomas most commonly affect elderly, fair-skinned people
• Early detection and treatment is critical
• Surgical removal is the most effective treatment

ORBITAL TUMORS
The orbit is the bony socket that houses the eye, the muscles that control eye movement, the optic nerve and all the related nerves and blood vessels. There are 7 different types of orbital tumors as follows:

• Optic Nerve Glioma  is a benign tumor often associated with neurofibromatosis
• Orbital meningioma is a tumor growing from the tissue covering the brain
• Hemangioma is a benign tumor comprised of the blood vessels or vessel elements
• Lymphangioma is a tumor made of enlarged lymphatic vessels
• Neurofibroma is a tumor made from nerve cells
• Sarcoma is a malignant tumor growing from connective tissue
• Metastasis is a malignant tumor that spreads to the eye orbit from other parts of the body
• Visual loss – bulging eyeball(s) – double vision – pain – are the signs of orbital tumors
• MRI or CT scan is used to image the tumor upon discovery
• Biopsy or surgical removal is necessary for accurate diagnosis
• Some orbital tumors may require different or additional treatments
• Surgery is usually sufficient for most orbital tumors
• Malignant tumors – i.e. sarcomas and metastases – require radiation therapy/chemotherapy

____________________________________

BOARD CERTIFICATION

Dr. Cole is a quadruple board certified surgeon which means he has met the rigorous high standards and training requirements of four medical boards.  This involved several years more of specialized training and experience in all four areas – in addition to medical school, internships, residencies, fellowship training and vast experience. Board certification does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it does ensure specialized training skill and expertise far beyond the norm.
More about Dr. Cole