[Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelids. Review of 7 years of experience of the adult ophthalmology service of the Casablanca university medical center]

Abstract

Malignant eyelid tumors generate considerable functional and aesthetic complications. Squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell epithelioma (SCE) of the eyelids represents about 9% of all peri-ocular skin tumors. It is potentially lethal by orbital invasion or metastasis and characterized by clinical polymorphism and its ability to mimic other benign lesions of the eyelids, thus requiring early diagnosis and management. The goal of our work is to establish the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and prognosis of SCE of the eyelids. This retrospective study was performed over a period of 7 years on 25 cases of SCE of the eyelids. The mean age was 62 years. The gender ratio was 1.77 with a male predominance. Twelve patients had precancerous lesions. Biopsy revealed squamous epithelioma SCE in 24 cases and a mixed carcinoma in one case. Surgical treatment was performed in 23 cases. Eyelid reconstruction was immediate in all cases. Radiation therapy (RTH) was carried out for additional 5 patients. The mean follow-up was 15 months. We noted 2 cases of recurrence; revision surgery was necessary in one case and radiotherapy in the other case. SCE is often diagnosed at advanced stages in our context because of the limited access to health care and the extreme clinic polymorphism. This explains the need for histological examination of any suspicious lesion. Prevention through photoprotection is essential.

Keywords: Exérèse carcinologique; Eyelids; Lésions précancéreuses; Mohs surgery; Paupières; Photo-protection; Precancerous lesions; Reconstruction; Squamous cell carcinoma; Épithélioma spino-cellulaire.