Lid lesions suspected of malignancy.

BACKGROUND: This review describes four examples of lid lesions and their clinical or surgical management.

METHODS: Close examination and careful observation of the lids and surrounding tissue is necessary for early detection and diagnosis of skin lesions. Although skin carcinomas around the lids are usually not life threatening, delayed diagnosis can lead to extensive surgical intervention and cosmetic reconstruction. This review describes the epidemiology and clinicopathologic basis for the development of lid carcinomas.

RESULTS: The differential diagnosis of lid lesions is reviewed and current accepted methods of therapy are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: Lid lesions are typically classified into malignant and benign categories. Beyond this general classification, knowledge of initial appearance, progression and potential pathologic change is necessary. Clinical presentations and management of both malignant and benign lid lesions are discussed.