Basal cell carcinomas of the eyelids.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the more frequent malignant tumors seen in France as in other western countries. They represent 20% of eyelid tumors and 90% of eyelid malignancies. Due to their local growth, problems may arise when treating BCC, and curative exeresis must be the preferred choice each time it is possible. BCC of the eyelids have a high risk of recurrence. Recurrences are more aggressive, infiltrative and destructive and have a considerably poorer rate of cure than primary tumors. Eyelid reconstructions can entail use of complex methods which should only be carried out by a trained ophthalmologist who is also able to treat any associated age-related ocular pathologies. BCC is the most common cause leading to eyelid reconstructive surgery; a surgery which has a triple objective: tumor removal, functionality and an esthetic outcome. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.