[Tumors and tumor-like lesions of eyelids collected at Department of Pathological Anatomy, Wroclaw Medical University, between 1946 and 1999].

PURPOSE: To determine the histopathological, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of benign, malignant and tumor-like lesions of the eyelid collected in Department of Pathological Anatomy, Wrocław Medical University.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Department of Pathological Anatomy, Wrocław Medical University, has been collecting data of all tumors and tumor-like lesions of the eye and ocular adnexa diagnosed at the department during the 54-year interval from 1946 through 1999. Retrospective analysis of all eyelid biopsy specimens submitted to the department between January 1, 1946, and December 31, 1999 were performed.

RESULTS: There were 4818 cases of the eye and ocular adnexa lesions diagnosed at the department since 1946 and 1999, what made up 0.262% of all diagnosed cases. Of 4818 total number of cases there were 2416 women and 2392 men. In 10 cases sex was unknown. The eyelids were the most common localization of malignant tumors (39.9% cases of all eye regions). The incidence cohort of all eyelid lesions included 2031 cases what made up 42.15% of all diagnosed lesions within the eye and it's adnexa. Benign tumors were the most common lesions (n=1262; 62.2%). Among all them papillomas were the most commonly found (n=659; 52.3%). Malignant tumors constituted 21,3% (n=433). Of the 433 malignancies, 314 were basal cell carcinomas (72.5%). Malignant tumors developed most commonly on the lower eyelid (n=303; 70%) but involved the right and left sides with equal frequency. Almost 2/3 of all tumor-like lesions in both genders were cysts including atheromas.

CONCLUSIONS: Benign eyelid tumors compose the majority of all eyelid lesions. The eyelids are the most common localization of malignant tumors within the eye and it's adnexa. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant eyelid tumor. The lower eyelid is the most frequent site of origin in cases of malignant tumors. Men and women are equally affected.