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Skin Cancer
Skin cancers may occur on the eyelids, on the nose, in the “corner” of the eye, and in the eyebrow area. In the worst cases, they may invade the orbit (eye socket) as well. They typically appear as nodules, often with pearly borders and ulcerated centers. Many patients believe they have a sore that won’t heal when they are found to have a skin cancer.
Treatment of any type of skin cancer must typically follow two principles of management. The first is complete excision of the lesion, and the second is reconstructive surgery. Any type of cancer must be completely destroyed or removed in order to prevent recurrence or continued growth. In most cases, this is completed with surgical excision, unless the tumor is too large or the patient is not a good surgical candidate for any reason. In these cases, some tumors are treated with irradiation.
Once the cancer is completely excised, the region of surgery must then be reconstructed. This may require simple or complex incision closures, tissue transfer procedures, and skin grafting when necessary.
If you believe you have a skin cancer, or even a sore that won’t heal, be sure to discuss the issue with your GP. More than likely, he or she will have an answer as to the appropriate treatment of the lesion. Be sure not to delay. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.
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