Purpose: It is widely accepted that exposure to UV light may cause malignant lesions in the eyelid of elderly people. Its occurrence in young adults is much less frequent and requires an early diagnosis and accurate treatment as well.
Material and method: We have retrospectively reviewed a series of 13 patients younger that 50 years of age who had been surgically treated in our hospital between 1990 and 1997.
Results: The pathologic examination revealed 12 basal cell carcinomas and one squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were small nodular tumors with a previous mean evolution of 34 months (2.6 years).
Conclusion: Although the periocular area may develop several kinds of malignancies due to the presence of various types of tissues, most of the lesions found in the eyelid are carcinomas. With an early diagnosis and correct treatment, prognosis is good. The purpose of the surgical treatment is not only the excision of the lesion, but also to maintain shape and function of the eyelid and preserve the eye as well.