Is eyelid skin cancer common?

Skin cancer is very common, especially in the face. Eyelid skin cancer is no exception. In fact, this area is responsible for 5 to 10 percent of all skin cancers. Skin cancer is more common in the lower eyelid followed by the medial eyelid, upper eyelid and lateral angle or commissure, in that order.

The most common type of skin cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). This tumor grows from abnormal cells in the deeper layers of the skin. BCC causes local tissue damage but very rarely causes metastasis. This makes BCC one of the most “benign” types of cancer. In fact, most these tumors can be cured surgically and will not require chemotherapy or radiation.