Eyelid Tumour Warning: Doctors Recommend Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Excessive exposure to sunlight does not only adversely affect the skin of the body, but also poses serious risks to eye health. Ophthalmologist Dr Tri Wahyu, Sp.M, revealed that the use of UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen is a crucial step in protecting the eyelids from the risk of malignant tumours.
In a health discussion held with RS Pondok Indah in Jakarta on Wednesday (4/6), Tri emphasised that protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays is not merely an aesthetic matter, but a medical necessity for both men and women.
“If we are active in outdoor spaces exposed to sunlight for long periods, sunscreen protection is necessary. It is not just for women; men need it too. Sunglasses can protect the eye area as well as the eyelids themselves from UV rays,” said the Padjadjaran University graduate.
Chronic sunlight exposure over many years is the primary risk factor for the emergence of tumours on the eyelids known as sebaceous carcinoma. This is a type of malignant tumour that attacks the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin and, statistically, is more commonly experienced by men.
In addition to sebaceous carcinoma, Tri mentioned other types of skin cancer that can affect the eye area, namely squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Generally, eyelid tumours account for approximately 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the total cases of malignant skin tumours throughout the body.
One of the challenges in detecting eyelid tumours is that they often resemble ordinary lumps or styes (hordeolum). Tri explained that in the early stages, a tumour may appear as a single red and swollen lump.
“Initially, it looks similar to a stye—there is a bump, it is red, and swollen. However, if medical intervention and medication are provided but there is no response or the results are poor, then we must suspect malignancy,” he explained.
If diagnosed as sebaceous carcinoma, the medical treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumour followed by eyelid reconstruction.
As an additional note, Tri mentioned that fair-skinned individuals have a higher vulnerability to skin cancer compared to Asians or Austronesians who have pigmented skin. Nevertheless, vigilance and physical protection remain the primary keys for anyone who frequently engages in outdoor activities.