Canine Eyelid Tumors

The function of the eyelids is simply to protect the eye from local injury. Though their function is easy the anatomy of the eyelid is complicated and is made up of layers of skin, muscle and mucus membrane. The tissues include nerves and blood vessels, oil glands, hair follicles and secondary tear glands. All of these tissues are susceptible to injury, infection and benign or deadly growths.

Tumors of the eyelid are the most typical tumors of the eye associated tissues and can originate from any of the tissues of the lid. Adenomas (benign tumor) and adenocarcinomas (gland cancer) of the oil glands are the most common.

Older dogs typically develop eyelid growths. Meibomian adenocarcinomas (glands), melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas (skin) are deadly and are treated by large surgical removal1. Other frequent eyelid growths consist of Histiocytoma (benign skin growth), Mastocytoma (mast cell growth), and Papilloma (benign epithelial tumor).

Thankfully, eyelid tumors in dogs are usually benign and do not spread to distant tissues. Surgical removal cures most tumors of the eyelid but total removal in some cases can cause eyelid deformities1. Eyelid growths can become rather big and be very disfiguring. Untreated eyelid tumors, even benign ones, can grow so big as to disrupt eyelid function.

Treatment

Treatment consists of elimination by surgery or by freezing with liquid nitrogen, which need to be carried out quicker than later on.

Prognosis of eyelid growths.

Surgical removal or freezing are normally effective and recurrence of a specific tumor is not likely-- there is typically an 85-90% opportunity of a growth not returning.

Avoidance of eyelid growths.

The cause of most eyelid tumors is unknown however some, like squamous cell carcinoma, are connected with excess direct exposure to sunshine. Some types seem to be inclined to the advancement of sebaceous (gland) growths, aetapet.com reports. Though there might be no preventive steps one can take, early treatment can prevent serious complications and decrease the expense of treatment.

Due to the fact that eyelid growths take place most often in older dogs, it is common for pet guardians to put things off-- "We will simply see it and see what occurs." Regrettably, as we wait, it is likely that the mass will grow and end up being more inflamed. As it grows it will become progressively more difficult to get rid of.