Eyelid Growths
Skin lesions can occur anywhere on the body, including the eyelids. Skin lesions can be benign growths or cancerous lesions. When a benign skin lesion appears around the eye, it can potentially become irritated or affect the vision if it is large enough. When it comes to the treatment of eyelid growths, Dr. Connor offers simple, in-office lesion removal procedures. The procedure can not only improve vision, but it can also determine the danger posed by the growth.
What Are Eyelid Growths?
Though many eyelid growths tend to be benign, their appearance does pose some risk of cancer. Cancerous skin lesions that occur around the eye or on the eyelid include squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), melanoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma. In order to determine the nature of the growth, a biopsy or tissue sample can be extracted in the office with local numbing medication. This simple extraction is required in order to provide patients with a definitive diagnosis. If the lesion is cancerous, a second operation will be done to remove all of the cancer cells.
Who Is Most Likely to Have Eyelid Growths?
People with light skin and eyes typically have less melanin in their bodies and are more likely to develop eyelid cancer. Additionally, people over the age of 50 and those frequently exposed to UV radiation are at an increased risk as well. History of sunburns or fragile skin: Sunburns or skin damage from burns, injury or disease can increase your risk of eyelid cancer.
How Are Eyelid Growths Addressed?
Prior to fully removing eyelid growths, a series of tests may be performed to determine their potential risks. Among the tests are a biopsy, a high-resolution ultrasound, and an MRI scan. The first of the three requires the removal of a tiny lesion sample and its subsequent analysis. In some cases, the entire growth may be removed for the purposes of this test. Imaging technology can be used to better assess the size and shape of the growths as well.
Benefits of Removing Eyelid Growths
If your eyelid growths are determined to be cancerous, a doctor can perform removal or Mohs surgery. This specialized surgical procedure allows for the removal of all the cancerous cells – even those that grow deeper and are difficult to detect. The techniques utilized during this surgery allow the doctor to spare surrounding healthy tissue and provide you with both peace of mind and great results. The benefits of early detection and growth removal are not only aesthetic, but can also prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
What Can I Expect During My Treatment?
Removal of a cancerous skin lesion around the eye or on the eyelid can be performed by an oculoplastic surgeon with the help of a pathologist to ensure all of the cancer cells have been removed. Alternatively, a Mohs dermatologic surgeon who is specially trained to remove skin cancers can remove the lesion, and then you might be referred to our oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in reconstruction of Mohs defects of the eyelid and midface.
Recovery After Removing Eyelid Growths
If cancer is found while eyelid growths are being removed, patients may need additional therapy following the procedure. Therapy may include extended monitoring, radiation, and chemotherapy. While you recover from your procedure, Dr. Connor will periodically check up on you to make sure that your body is healing properly. Follow-up appointments are recommended, especially if cancer is present, to monitor for signs of recurrence.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Many of our reconstructive procedures are covered by insurance and patients will not need to pay out of pocket unless their insurance benefits dictate that that is the case. For those who are self-pay, we will determine the cost during your consultation with Dr. Connor. He is available to provide you with the care and information you seek.
Does Insurance Cover the Removal of Eyelid Growths?
Most insurances don’t cover cosmetic eyelid procedures such as the removal of eyelid growths. However, if your growths are discovered to be cancerous, your insurance provider may offer partial or full coverage. This will depend largely on your provider and a particular plan. We encourage you to contact both your provider and a member of our staff to discuss costs before committing to a treatment option.
Dr. Connor and his staff are simply the best. He truly cares about the successful outcome of your request. Dr. Connor’s demeanor is reassuring, patient and kind. He is a true expert in his specialties. The office is beautiful and immaculate. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.
– LuAnn O.
Help With Removing Eyelid Growths in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Palm Beach Gardens oculoplastic surgeon, Michael Connor, MD is considered one of the top eyelid surgeons in South Florida. As an eyelid surgery expert, Dr. Connor can perform eyelid growth removal procedures and assist in determining the cancer risk they pose. For more information about our surgical treatments, please contact Oculoplastic & Orbital Consultants today by calling (561) 845-6500 or filling out the form below.
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