Eyelid Tumors
Noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) growths can form on the eyelids. One of the most common types of benign tumor is xanthelasma, a yellow-white, flat growth that consists of fatty material. Xanthelasmas need not be removed unless their appearance becomes bothersome. Because xanthelasmas may indicate elevated cholesterol levels (especially in young people), a doctor checks the person's cholesterol level by taking a blood sample.
Squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma (see Section 18, Chapter 216), both malignant growths, can develop on the eyelid. If a growth on the eyelid does not disappear after several weeks, a doctor may perform a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope). The growth is treated, usually with surgery.
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