Profile of eyelid malignancy in a Tertiary Health Care Center in North India

Abstract

CONTEXT: The eyelids are affected by wide spectrum of benign and malignant lesions. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy encountered while other malignant lesions such as sebaceous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are rare. Data regarding geographical variation in trends of malignant eyelid tumors are presented in the current study. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted from December 2011 to October 2013. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with mass or growth involving eyelid managed by surgical intervention were selected for the study. Excised tissue masses were sent for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases of extraocular tumors were operated during the study period, out of which 25 cases (48%) were of eyelids. Sixteen cases (64%) were benign, and remaining 9 cases (36%) were malignant eyelid neoplasms. Benign lesions exhibited female preponderance with male:female ratio of 1:2.25. No significant difference was noted in cases of malignant lesions with male:female ratio of 1:1.25. Most common benign tumor observed was sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous gland carcinoma (4 cases) was the most common malignant neoplasm followed by squamous cell carcinoma (2 cases) and BCC, orbital melanoma, and adenocarcinoma (1 case each). CONCLUSIONS: Sebaceous gland carcinoma is more common in North India as compared to BCC and squamous cell carcinoma.