PERIOCULAR SKIN TUMOUR CARE

Being diagnosed with a periocular (around the eye) skin tumour can feel worrying — but you are in safe hands. These types of tumours are usually slow-growing and highly treatable, especially when managed by a specialist team.

Our goal is to completely remove the tumour while preserving your vision, eyelid function, and appearance.

What is a Periocular Skin Tumour?

A periocular skin tumour is a growth that develops in the skin around the eye — including the eyelids, corners of the eyes (canthi), and nearby facial areas. These tumours are usually skin cancers, most often caused by long-term sun exposure.

The most common types are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most frequent eyelid cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere, but can invade surrounding tissues if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Less common but more aggressive; can spread if not removed completely.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma and Other Rare Types: Less frequent but may require highly specialised management.

Treatment Options

Treatment of periocular tumours in Ireland usually involves a team of specialists in eye care skin conditions and cancer treatment.

The approach depends on the type, size, and position of the tumour. In many cases, the tumour is removed surgically with great care to protect the delicate tissues around the eye. Techniques such as Mohs surgery may be used to ensure all cancer cells are removed while keeping as much healthy tissue as possible.

Additional treatments such as radiotherapy, cryotherapy, or topical chemotherapy may be recommended for certain cases, especially if the tumour is more aggressive or has returned. After treatment, patients are followed up regularly to check for any signs of recurrence and to support good healing and appearance.