Spectrum of eyelid lesions–a histopathological study in South India

Abstract

Aim: Eyelids are complex structures that protect the anterior surface of the globe. Eyelid lesions range from benign, self-limiting conditionsto malignant, possibly metastatic tumors.To assess the histomorphology of various eyelid lesions, determine their frequency, age and sex distribution in our study population andcompare them with the other studies.Material and Method: This is a retrospective study involving 122 patients of either sex presenting with lesions involving the eyelid, reportingto a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka.Results: We came across 67.72% neoplastic, 28.34% inflammatory/infectious, and 3.94% miscellaneous lesions. There was a slight femalepredominance with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.18. The mean age at presentation was 43.7 years, range being 1-90 years. Majority were intheir 3rd and 4th decades. Among the neoplastic lesions, 90.7% were benign. The most common benign, malignant and inflammatory lesionswere nevus, sebaceous carcinoma and chalazion respectively. Uncommon stromal lesions, such as fibrous histiocytoma and a rare variant ofbasal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation were encountered.Conclusions: The frequency of eyelid lesions depends upon age group, source institution, racial and geographic factors. Histopathologyremains the mainstay for diagnosis. In addition to determining the malignant potential of a lesion, it reveals its exact nature and structure,thereby influencing management and prognosis.