Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a flesh-colored, pearly bump or patch that may ulcerate or bleed spontaneously. The most common location for this cancer is the nose as well as the rest of the face, but it can be found on the eyelids. They are often mistaken for a sore that won't heal or one that heals over for a short time and then turns into a sore again. Fortunately, most basal cell carcinomas are relatively slow-growing and generally stay confined to the skin without the tendency                                                      to metastasize.

The choice of treatment depends upon many factors, including its location on the skin surface, the subtype and aggressiveness of the cancer, aesthetic implications of treatment, and even the health status of the patient. In general, the treatment options are the same as for squamous cell carcinoma.

• Electrodessication and curettage, also known as "scraping and burning," involves scraping away the diseased tissue and touching the area with an electric needle.
• Cryosurgery, or "freezing," involves the use of liquid nitrogen applied directly to the skin surface. 
• Radiation, although effective, is infrequently used today due to the availability of safer, less expensive alternatives.
• Traditional excision, which involves surgically removing the diseased area and usually closing it with sutures (stitches). 
• Injections, as well as the topical application of prescription agents, are other measures that have been used to target the cancerous cells.
• Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced treatment which involves excision of the cancerous cells under complete microscopic control and is usually followed by closure with sutures, but it is generally reserved for selected cases especially the eyelids because it preserve the amount of skin for reconstruction while maximizing removal.

If you have an eyelid skin lesion that needs addressing we would be happy to set up a consultation.  We specialize in eyelid reconstruction after removal of skin cancer.  Please call 770-228-3836 to set up your evaluation.