What's New in Eyelid Tumors

Ocular adnexal sebaceous carcinoma in a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is caused by a pathogenic germline variant at the TP53 locus and is associated with an increased predisposition to a variety of cancers. The neoplasms most frequently associated with LFS are sarcomas, breast cancer, brain tumors, and adrenocortical carcinomas. In this case report, we present a 43-year-old male diagnosed with an ocular adnexal sebaceous carcinoma of the right upper eyelid who was confirmed to have LFS with subsequent genetic testing. The mutational profile of both the patient's genetic screen and tumor sequencing were congruent, demonstrating the same pathogenic loss-of-function TP53 variant. This case report highlights the importance of pursuing genetic testing in patients with a history of multiple tumor types, particularly those with uncommon diagnoses. In this case, confirmation of LFS had important implications for personalized patient care, including identification of contraindicated treatment interventions and the imaging modalities necessary for vigilant follow-up screening.

The role of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent eyelid-periocular basal cell carcinoma: long-term results

BACKGROUND

While electrochemotherapy (ECT) is increasingly utilized as a highly effective method in the treatment of tumors in the head and neck region, there is significantly less data available for eyelid-periocular skin tumors. Our group reported the first extensive case series of eyelid-periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients with short-term follow-up treatment with ECT. The present study aims to report our long-term results of eyelid-periocular BCC cases treated with ECT.

METHODS

The treatments were performed according to the ESOPE (European Standard Operating Procedures on Electrochemotherapy) guidelines using the Cliniporator™ device. All patients received bleomycin-based ECT, administered intratumorally or intravenously. Tumor response was evaluated using the RECIST 1.1 criteria.

RESULTS

The results of 19 patients treated with ECT are presented. Four patients had locally advanced primary tumors, while 15 patients had recurrent tumors. Bleomycin was administered intratumorally in four patients and intravenously in 15 patients. The overall response was 100%, while the complete response rate proved to be 95%. In three cases (15.8%), recurrence was observed during the mean follow-up period of 78.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

ECT can effectively treat locally advanced or recurrent BCC in the eyelid-periocular skin region. Excellent tumor control can be achieved with good functional and cosmetic results without systemic adverse events with long interval follow-up.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Malignancies: Differences in Clinical Presentation, Metastasis, and Treatment

Approximately 5-15% of all dermatologic malignancies manifest in the upper and lower eyelids. The primary types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sebaceous cell carcinoma, with Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma following closely behind. Basal cell carcinoma predominantly affects the lower eyelid, yet various other carcinomas, melanomas, metastases, and neoplasms of diverse origins can arise on both upper and lower eyelids. Risk factors such as advanced age, smoking, and notably, exposure to UV light significantly contribute to the development of these eyelid lesions. Despite the increasing incidence, research on dermatologic eyelid malignancies remains limited. However, such study is imperative given that many systemic oncologic malignancies initially present as metastatic eyelid lesions. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of eyelid anatomy, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment management.Key Points: Eyelid metastases represent less than one percent of all eyelid cancers, yet they often serve as the initial indication of an underlying systemic malignancy. Early detection and treatment is crucial in improving prognosis and quality of life for patients. Treatment options encompass a range of modalities, with Mohs surgery as the gold standard for the removal of ocular tumors. Additional treatment options include local excision as well as non-surgical interventions such as radiotherapy, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and topical medications.

Lymph Node Evolution in Eyelid and Orbit Squamous Cell Carcinomas

OBJECTIVES

To describe a large cohort of eyelid and periorbital SCCs, to compare the location of the tumor and of the pathological lymph nodes, and to analyze the risk factors for lymph node involvement among tumor characteristics.

METHODS

All patients managed inside our institution for an eyelid and periorbital SCCs were included. Tumor characteristics, imaging setup, excision margins, lymph node evolution features, local, regional, and distant recurrences rates, and global survival were reported. The risk for lymph node involvement and location of pathological lymph nodes were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Between January 2012 and August 2022, 115 patients were included, and 18 presented a lymph node evolution (15.7%), involving the parotid gland in 16 cases (88.9%), the submental and submandibular areas in seven cases (38%), and the jugular and carotid areas in four cases (22%). Tumor size above 20 mm, infiltration of the external canthus and periorbital structures, the presence of perineural invasion or vascular embolism, the depth of infiltration, and the presence of a local recurrence were significantly associated with the risk of lymph node evolution.

CONCLUSION

Periorbital and eyelid SCCs present a true potential for lymph node evolution especially through the parotid gland. Extension setup including the parotid gland and neck should be mandatory, and lymph node dissection should be associated in case of parotidectomy for lymph node involvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV Laryngoscope, 2024.

Implementing high-dose rate surface mould brachytherapy for carcinoma of eyelid: a practical approach and weekly review

Surface mould brachytherapy is a conformal radiotherapy technique that can deliver high dose to the target while sparing nearby normal structures, Here, we aim to describe the procedurals details for high-dose rate (HDR) surface mould brachytherapy in sebaceous carcinoma of eyelid in a 54-year old lady. She was hesitant for surgery and any form of invasive intervention like interstitial brachytherapy. So, she was treated with surface mould HDR brachytherapy to a total dose of 52 Gy in 13 fractions at a dose of 4 Gy per fraction delivered twice daily using Iridium-192 isotope with no acute side effects. She was evaluated on a weekly basis for any radiation side effects and now she is disease-free for 6 months post-treatment with only mild dry eye. A detailed step-by-step procedure of surface mould technique, simulation procedure, dose prescription, planning, plan evaluation and treatment has been described in this paper. Surface mould HDR brachytherapy can be safely used as organ preserving modality of treatment for eyelid carcinoma.

Orbital and eyelid diseases: The next breakthrough in artificial intelligence?

Orbital and eyelid disorders affect normal visual functions and facial appearance, and precise oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeries are crucial. Artificial intelligence (AI) network models exhibit a remarkable ability to analyze large sets of medical images to locate lesions. Currently, AI-based technology can automatically diagnose and grade orbital and eyelid diseases, such as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), as well as measure eyelid morphological parameters based on external ocular photographs to assist surgical strategies. The various types of imaging data for orbital and eyelid diseases provide a large amount of training data for network models, which might be the next breakthrough in AI-related research. This paper retrospectively summarizes different imaging data aspects addressed in AI-related research on orbital and eyelid diseases, and discusses the advantages and limitations of this research field.

Eyelid carcinomas: Tumor aggressiveness tendencies for smokers compared to non‑smokers

During the past few years, several studies have demonstrated that head and neck carcinomas present more aggressive forms for smokers, relative to non-smokers. Our aim was to investigate the tumor aggressiveness for patients with eyelid carcinomas, in relation to tobacco consumption, as well as other demographic and clinical data. For 98 patients with eyelid carcinomas, we studied the relationship between the duration of their symptoms and their tumor stage at first diagnosis, trying to determine potential correlations with smoking status and several other clinical parameters. Our data revealed that, for the same duration of symptoms, tobacco consumers tended to have higher tumor stages, which did not correlate with other variables. For early diagnosed tumors, within the first year of symptoms, smokers presented 6.044 times higher odds to exhibit more advanced tumor stages, compared to non-smokers, and this value decreased to 4.501, up to 5 years of the presence of symptoms (P<0.05). We also noted that, for smokers, an increased age was associated with increased tumor stages, which was opposed to non-smokers, regardless of their symptom duration [average odds ratio (OR) 1.122, P<0.05]. Tumor aggressiveness was therefore associated with tobacco consumption, leading to an increased risk of developing more aggressive forms of eyelid carcinomas for smokers, compared to non-smokers.

[Activity of the Russian antitumor compound chlonisol in models of eyelid tumors (experimental study)]

Eyelid tumors are the most common neoplasms in everyday ophthalmic practice and cover a wide range of benign and malignant lesions. Surgical methods, cryodestruction, laser therapy and radiation therapy are used in the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors. Chemotherapy does not occupy a prominent place in the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors, its use is limited to sensitive tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the antitumor activity of the Russian-developed chemical compound 2-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-1.3-propandiol (chlonisol) on the models of transplantable tumors of various histogenesis implanted into the lower eyelid.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 67 mice of lines 129/SN, BALB/c and C57BL/6 that had Ehrlich carcinoma, sarcoma 37, lymphosarcoma LIO-1 and B16 melanoma transplanted into the eyelid. Tumor transplantation was done by injecting 0.05 ml of sterile sodium chloride solution containing 10⁶ cells of Ehrlich carcinoma, sarcoma 37, lymphosarcoma LIO-1, or 10% suspension of tumor tissue of B16 melanoma. The injection was performed into the right lower eyelid in the direction from the outer towards the inner corner of the eye using a thin needle (29G). Chlonisol was administered at the maximum tolerated dose of 20 mg/kg or at the lower dose of 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally 24 hours after tumor transplantation.

RESULTS

In mice with Ehrlich carcinoma, sarcoma 37, lymphosarcoma LIO-1 and melanoma B16 transplanted under the skin of the lower eyelid, a single intraperitoneal injection of chlonisol at the dose of 20 or 15 mg/kg caused significant inhibition of tumor growth reaching 100%. Chlonisol significantly increased overall survival in animals with Ehrlich carcinoma (log rank test, p=0.0464), sarcoma 37 (log rank test, p<0.0001), lymphosarcoma LIO-1 (log rank test, p=0.0122) and B16 melanoma (log rank test, p<0.0001); the proportion of animals that were fully healed was 25, 78, 67 and 25%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Chlonisol has a pronounced antitumor effect in mice with Ehrlich carcinoma, sarcoma 37, lymphosarcoma LIO-1 and B16 melanoma transplanted into the eyelid.

Analysis of Tumour Related Data and Clinical Features of Eyelid Carcinomas

Almost 10% of worldwide skin cancers are located at the eyelid level. In European countries, malign eyelid tumours are mostly represented by basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and usually affect elderly patients. In order to study the clinical features of eyelid tumours, and potential correlations between tumour parameters, we have enrolled a cohort of 98 subjects from a south-western region of Romania. Our study confirmed the majority of results from other European studies, as basal cell carcinoma was the most frequent malign form, being diagnosed for more than 85% of patients with declared prolonged sun exposure; tumours were mostly located on the superior eyelid, especially for males, and may present slow progression rates. We have identified significant correlations only between the tumour stage and symptoms' duration, and also between the tumour stage and smoking habit, for females.

MR and CT Imaging of the Normal Eyelid and its Application in Eyelid Tumors

T-staging of most eyelid malignancies includes the assessment of the integrity of the tarsal plate and orbital septum, which are not clinically accessible. Given the contribution of MRI in the characterization of orbital tumors and establishing their relations to nearby structures, we assessed its value in identifying different eyelid structures in 38 normal eyelids and evaluating tumor extension in three cases of eyelid tumors. As not all patients can receive an MRI, we evaluated those same structures on CT and compared both results. All eyelid structures were identified on MRI and CT, except for the conjunctiva on both techniques and for the tarsal muscles on CT. Histopathology confirmed the MRI findings of orbital septum invasion in one patient, and the MRI findings of intact tarsus and orbital septum in another patient. Histopathology could not confirm or exclude tarsal invasion seen on MRI on two patients. Although imaging the eyelid is challenging, the identification of most eyelid structures is possible with MRI and, to a lesser extent, with CT and can, therefore, have an important contribution to the T-staging of eyelid tumors, which may improve treatment planning and outcome.

Mould-based surface high-dose-rate brachytherapy for eyelid carcinoma

Purpose

To evaluate toxicity and clinical outcomes in patients with eyelid tumour treated with contact high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT).

Material and methods

Between April 2010 and August 2017, 10 consecutive patients with tumour of the eyelid underwent contact HDR-BT and custom-made surface mould. Every applicator was manually built using conventional thermoplastic material and standard plastic catheters. The median dose prescribed was 42 Gy (range, 30-48) with a median dose per fraction of 3.5 Gy (range, 2-4.5). The dose was delivered in a median of 12 fractions (range, 10-17) over a median of 16 days. In all cases, an ocular shield was placed to reduce the dose to the eye. Acute and late toxicity was evaluated according to RTOG toxicity criteria.

Results

We analyzed data of 9 of 10 patients (one patient was excluded because he did not give consent for investigation). The median age was 68 years (range, 31-88). According to the TNM-UICC staging system, 4, 1 and 4 patients were stage IA, IB and IC, respectively. Basal cell and sebaceous gland carcinomas were reported in 5 and 2 patients, respectively; other histological types were non-Hodgkin lymphoma and plasmacytoma. After a median follow-up of 51 months (range, 16-90), there was no evidence of local or distant recurrence. The treatment was very well tolerated. Most commonly acute reactions consisted of low grade (G1-G2) conjunctivitis and skin erythema. Only one patient required a temporary interruption of the treatment due to acute G2 conjunctivitis and G3 lid erythema. Only one G2 late toxicity was reported (corneal ulceration), without resulting in functional impairment or blindness.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that contact HDR-BT with a customized applicator is safe, effective and offers very good local control and can be considered for the treatment of eyelid tumours.

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma: Validation of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on cancer T staging system and the prognostic factors for local recurrence, nodal metastasis, and survival

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors for eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) in an ethnic Chinese population and to validate the performance of the T category of the 8th edition AJCC staging systems, with the aim of providing information for refinements.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients with pathological diagnosis of SGC were enroled retrospectively. The clinicopathological features, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Prognostic factors associated with the outcome of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, and tumour-related death were analysed. The performance analysis was performed by comparing the predictive value for survival and the monotonicity of gradients between the 7th and 8th staging systems.

RESULTS

The distribution of T1:T2:T3:T4 tumours according to the 7th and 8th edition was 6:40:16:1 and 23:26:5:9, respectively. Positive surgical margin was a poor prognostic factor. Local recurrence was associated with more aggressive histopathological features and surrounding structure invasions. Regional lymph node metastasis was associated with larger tumours. The T category of 8th edition showed better predictability for local recurrence and regional lymph node metastasis, while the T category of 7th edition had better monotonicity of gradients. Tumours classified as T2c or worse had higher risk of regional lymph node metastasis, while tumours T3b or worse in the 8th edition had more tumour-related death.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with higher T category are at risk of regional lymph node metastasis and tumour-related death. Further refinement of the T category of AJCC staging system can focus on the predictability for local recurrence and the monotonicity of gradients.

Electrochemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent eyelid-periocular basal cell carcinomas

There is increasing evidence about the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy (ECT) in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas in the head and neck region, although its role in the management of eyelid-periocular skin tumors has to be clarified. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the results of ECT in the treatment of locally advanced primary and recurrent eyelid-periocular skin basal cell carcinomas. Twelve patients with basal cell carcinoma involving the eyelid-periocular skin region were treated with ECT. Three patients had locally advanced primary tumors, while 9 patients had recurrent tumors. All treatments were performed according to the ESOPE guidelines, using Cliniporator TM device. All patients received bleomycin based ECT. The route of administration was intratumoral in 3 patients and intravenous in 9 patients. Tumor response was evaluated using the RECIST 1.1. criteria. ECT resulted in complete response of the periocular skin tumors in all patients. Lower eyelid ectropion was developed in 3 patients which had to be corrected surgically. ECT can be used effectively in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent basal cell carcinomas in the eyelid-periocular skin region. Excellent tumor control can be achieved with good functional and cosmetic results without systemic adverse events with short interval follow-up.

Palpebral cutaneous melanomas: a review of 17 cases from a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Melanomas arising from eyelid skin are exceptionally rare, accounting for <1% of eyelid malignancies and all cutaneous melanomas. The aim of this study was to identify the histopathological features and clinical behaviors of the palpebral skin melanoma patients from a single tertiary institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventeen Caucasian patients diagnosed with eyelid cutaneous melanoma were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 59 years, and females were predominant (n = 11). The most frequent localization of the lesions was the lower eyelid (n = 8). Nodular (n = 4), lentigo maligna (n = 3), and the superficial spreading melanoma (n = 3) were the most common histopathological subtypes. Only three patients had in situ melanomas. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were present in most of the patients; however, only a few cases had lymphovascular invasion. Regional lymph node involvement was present in two patients, and distant metastasis was found in only one patient. Four patients (24%) had disease relapses during follow-up, all of which were locoregional. The median relapse-free survival (RFS) time and 5-year RFS rate were 26.3 months and 60.4%, respectively. Two patients (12%) died. Median OS time was 32.1 months, and 5-year OS rate was 84%. Being elderly (older than 60 years of age) (P = 0.05), lesion originating from canthus compared to eyelid (P = 0.03) and presence of recurrence in follow-up (P = 0.04) have been found as poor prognostic indicators for OS.

CONCLUSION

Palpebral skin melanoma is associated with favorable clinical features, and it is correlated with better survival rates.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid: report of a case

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in the face. Surgical removal and reconstruction is the first choice of treatment options for BCC, but it tends to be invasive and sometimes is accompanied by a drastic change in appearance. We report here a case of BCC in the eyelid of a patient who was successfully treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). He was 88 years old at this time. The ulcer disappeared within 3 weeks after GKRS and was covered with normal epithelium. This is the first report to describe an eyelid BCC that was treated by GKRS.

Peri - and Intraocular Mutilating Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma: "Monsters Inside Your Body"?

Periocular malignancies represent between 5% and 10% of all types of skin cancers. The incidence of eyelid (but also the periocular located) malignancies seems to differ in distribution across the continents. The incidence of eyelid tumours (but also the periocular located tumours) in a predominantly white population determined that BCC is the most common malignant periocular eyelid tumour in whites. This finding has been replicated consistently throughout the literature, with BCC representing 85–95% of all eyelid malignancies, SCC representing 3.4 - 12.6%, Seb Ca representing 0.6 - 10.2%, and both melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma representing less than 1%. Most periocular skin cancers are associated with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Ultraviolet radiation causes local immune suppression, which, coupled with DNA abnormalities in tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, leads to the development of skin cancers. We are presenting a 62 - year - old patient with a small nodule about 2 cm away from the lower lid of his left eye. A tumour was surgically treated. Several years later there was a tumour relapse, treated with radiotherapy and subsequent chemotherapy with Endoxan and Cisplatin. After the second relapse, he was treated surgically in general anaesthesia by orbital exenteration, removal of the orbital floor and resection of zygomatic bone and the maxillary sinus. A couple of months later, he developed a tumour relapse in the scars and the area of a primary tumour with tumour progression. A possible therapy with Cetuximab or radiation therapy was discussed as a possible treatment option.