Executive Summary
Eyelid cancer accounts for about 5% to 10% of all skin cancers. Around 85% to 95% of eyelid cancers are basal cell skin cancers in non-Asian countries, and 70% of these cases occur in the lower eyelid. Squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma form 5% and less than 1% of all eyelid tumor and are less common eyelid cancer. The statistics on the survival rates for people with eyelid tumor estimate and can change significantly depending on several factors.
Statistics of Eyelid Cancer
In general, skin cancer is prevalent, and the eyelid is usually a common place where skin cancer is found. About 5% to 10% of all skin cancers happen in the eyelid.
In non-Asian countries, about 85% to 95% of eyelid cancers are basal cell skin cancers 1. An estimated 70% of these cases occur in the lower eyelid 2. They can also appear in the inner corner of the eye, the upper lids, and the outer corner of the eyes. Basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed most often in adults and rarely in children. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Other types of eyelid cancer are less common—Squamous cell skin tumor and melanoma form 5% and less than 1% of all eyelid tumor 1.
Generally, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer are almost always curable, primarily if the cancer is found and treated early. Melanoma can also be cured if diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages. However, melanoma has more chances to spread to other parts of the body.
It is noteworthy that statistics on the survival rates for people with eyelid cancer estimate and can change significantly depending on several factors.
References
- 1.Margo CE, Mulla ZD. Malignant Tumors of the Eyelid. Arch Ophthalmol. Published online February 1, 1998. doi:10.1001/archopht.116.2.195
- 2.A retrospective study of 2228 cases with eyelid tumors. Int J Ophthalmol. Published online November 18, 2018. doi:10.18240/ijo.2018.11.16