 tumor in hard-to-reach place, and for cancer that has come back to the same place. However, it is increasingly becoming a preferred technique for removing an eyelid tumor. After Mohs’ surgery, a patient may need to undergo reconstructive surgery (see below) by an ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon trained in ocular (eye) reconstructive procedures to retain the function of the eye.
Cryosurgery. Cryosurgery, also called cryotherapy or cryoablation, uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cells. The skin will later blister and shed off. This procedure will sometimes leave a pale scar, and patients may need more than one freezing procedure.
Reconstructive surgery. Many patients with eyelid cancer require reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery in that it is generally performed to improve eye function, although it may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Oftentimes, multiple surgeries are done, spread out over a period of time. Cosmetic surgery is performed on normal structures for the purpose of appearance. A surgeon may use skin grafts in order to completely reconstruct the eyelid and give patients a normal appearance.
Having an eye removed
Although rare, sometimes it is medically necessary to remove the eye. Because of this visual loss, a person with one eye may have trouble with depth perception. Most people adjust to these differences, with support from the health care team.
Many people worry about what they will look like when they have an eye removed. The cosmetic surgery available today usually yields good cosmetic results. To fill the area left by the missing eye, the person is fitted for a prosthesis (artificial eye). The prosthesis will look and behave almost the same as a natural eye. For example, the artificial eye will move along with the person’s remaining eye, just not as much as a natural eye moves. Family members may be able to tell that the eye is not real, but it is unlikely that strangers will know.
If enucleation is required, talk with your doctor about a prosthesis. It may take many weeks for you to receive the prosthesis. Also, ask about support services that may be available to you to help adjust to the loss of an eye. Learn more about rehabilitation.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. A radiation therapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time.
Radiation therapy may be used for a cancer that is hard to treat with surgery, and several treatments may be needed. Treatment side effects may include a rash, dry or discolored skin, fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, or loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. However, other side effects, such as those listed below, may show up later.
Treatment for eyelid cancer using radiation therapy is continually improving. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the different types of radiation therapy. Side effects may include:
Cataracts. Cataracts are very common. A cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. People with cataracts may have cloudy or foggy vision, have trouble seeing at night, or have problems with glare from the sun or bright lights. If the cataract is causing major problems with a person's eyesight, it may be surgically removed.
Loss of eyelashes and/or a dry eye. Loss of eyelashes and/or a dry eye can occur with radiation therapy. Some treatment options include over-the-counter eye drops, prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis), and plugs that can be placed in the tear ducts. Talk with your ophthalmologist about how to help relieve these side effects.
Change in lid position. After radiation therapy and/or surgery, the eyelid may roll inw