What is the most common eyelid cancer?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Squamous cell carcinoma
• C. Melanoma
• D. Merkel cell carcinoma

Answer: (A)

Eyelid cancers are most often basal cell carcinomas, making it by far the most common eyelid malignancy. Basal cell carcinoma arises from the basal layer of the epidermis and tends to grow slowly in sun-exposed eyelid skin, especially on the lower lid. It usually appears as a painless, pearly or translucent nodule with telangiectasias and may have a rolled border; it can ulcerate as it enlarges but rarely metastasizes. Because this is the most frequent eyelid cancer, recognizing its typical look and pursuing biopsy when a lesion is suspicious is essential. The preferred treatment is complete removal with tissue-sparing margins (often Mohs surgery) to preserve eyelid function and appearance. While squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma occur on the eyelid, they are less common, with squamous cell being the next most frequent but still far less common than basal cell carcinoma.