Eye Lid Lump = LASER Eye LID SURGERY!

General’s dog EYELID LUMP was irritating his eye & resulted in a CORNEAL ULCER

Dr. Boazman demonstrates the benefits of high power laser lumpectomy & walks us through a WEDGE excision & Figure 8 Suture closure

Eye Lid Tumors are the most common tumors of the eye associated tissues!

Adenomas (benign tumor) & adenocarcinomas (gland cancer) of the oil glands are the most common.

Older dogs commonly develop eyelid tumors. Meibomian adenocarcinomas (glands), melanomas & squamous cell carcinomas (skin) are malignant & are treated by surgical removal.

Other frequent eyelid tumors include:

  • Histiocytoma (benign skin tumor)
  • Mastocytoma (mast cell tumor)
  • Papilloma (benign epithelial tumor)
Fortunately, eyelid tumors in dogs are usually benign & do not spread to distant tissues. Surgical removal cures most tumors of the eyelid but complete removal sometimes can cause eyelid deformities.

Eyelid tumors can become quite large & be very disfiguring. Untreated eyelid tumors, even benign ones, can grow so large as to interfere with eyelid function.

Surgical removal is usually successful & recurrence of an individual tumor is unlikely – there is typically an 85-90% chance of a tumor not returning.

The cause of most eyelid tumors is unknown but some, like squamous cell carcinoma, are associated with excess exposure to sunlight.

Some breeds seem to be predisposed to the development of sebaceous (gland) tumors. Though there may be no preventive measures one can take, early treatment can prevent severe complications & reduce the cost of treatment.

Because eyelid tumors occur most often in older dogs, it is common for pet parents to procrastinate — “We will just watch it & see what happens.” Unfortunately, as we wait, it is likely that the mass will grow & become more inflamed. As it grows it will become progressively more difficult to remove.