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Risk Factors for Eyelid Cancer
Risk Factors for Eyelid Cancer
Because the eyelid has the thinnest skin on your body, it can be very sensitive to damage from sun exposure and other factors. A risk factor for eyelid cancer is anything that increases your chances of developing the disease.
Common risk factors for skin cancer of the eyelid include:
- Exposure to UV radiation: Sunlight and tanning beds produce UV radiation, which can lead to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma.
- Fair skin or light-colored eyes: Melanin (skin pigment) protects the skin against UV radiation. People with light skin and eyes have less melanin in their skin and are more likely to develop eyelid cancer.
- Age: Most basal and squamous cell cancers appear after age 50.
- History of sunburns or fragile skin: Sunburns or skin damage from burns, injury or disease can increase your risk of eyelid cancer.
- Personal medical history: People with rare genetic conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum, basal cell nevus syndrome or albinism are at a much higher risk for eyelid cancer. A weakened immune systems, the use of certain medications or exposure to radiation can also increase the risk of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas.
- Previous skin cancer: People who have had any type of skin cancer are at higher risk for developing another skin cancer.
Learn more about all types of skin cancer and our expertise in treating them in our Skin Cancer Program.
Eyelid Cancer Prevention
Most people who have these risk factors never develop eyelid cancer. But, some people who have none of these factors can still get this type of skin cancer. We recommend the following products to help prevent eyelid cancer:
- Hats: Wear a hat with at least a 3-inch brim to block up to half of UVB rays from your eyes and eyelids. Some hats are made from sun-protective materials and are rated with an SPF value similar to sunscreen.
- Sunglasses: Choose those with lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. The bigger the sunglasses, the more skin they can protect. Look for wraparound types with UV-protective sides.
- Sunscreens and moisturizers: Some of these products are non-irritating because they are made especially for the eye area. Look for SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
Eyelid Cancer Diagnosis
Our eye care professionals have years of expertise in detecting and diagnosing skin cancer of the eyelid. With our diagnostic imaging center on-site, you don’t have to go anywhere else for additional tests. We coordinate the whole process with dermatologists and pathologists specializing in skin cancer and eye care. Learn more about how we work together for accurate eyelid cancer diagnosis.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.