Being told you may have a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the eyelid can be concerning. SCC is a type of skin cancer that requires timely assessment and treatment. Unlike basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SCC has a greater potential to recur and, in some cases, spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
The good news is that most eyelid SCCs can be treated successfully when diagnosed and managed early by an experienced specialist team.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer arising from the squamous cells that form the surface layer of the skin.
It is the second most common skin cancer affecting the eyelid and surrounding skin.
SCC most commonly develops due to:
Cumulative sun exposure
Previous sunburns
Fair skin
Increasing age
Previous skin cancers
Immunosuppression
Certain precancerous skin conditions
The lower eyelid, upper eyelid, canthus (corner of the eye) and surrounding facial skin can all be affected.
We recommend a specialist assessment if you notice:
A persistent lump or thickened area on the eyelid
A sore that does not heal
Recurrent crusting, bleeding or scabbing
A rapidly growing eyelid lesion
Loss of eyelashes around a lesion
Persistent eyelid inflammation affecting one area
A previous skin cancer scar that is changing
Early diagnosis allows treatment at the earliest stage and can improve both cure rates and reconstructive outcomes.
More information on diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma
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