Various types of tumors on the edges of the eyelids occur relatively frequently, especially in older dogs but also in cats. In dogs, 90% of these growths are benign, with malignant tumors that tend to metastasize (spread) occurring only in rare cases. In cats, these changes are significantly more likely to be malignant.
The exact causes of cell degeneration are not clearly understood. However, it is assumed that a hereditary component plays a role in the development of eyelid tumors. Various scientific studies have shown that Boxers, Collies, Weimaraners, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Beagles, Huskies, and English Setters are more prone to eyelid tumors than other breeds.
Adenomas are the most common eyelid tumors in older dogs. They originate from the sebaceous glands located in the inner eyelid margin, known as Meibomian glands. The gland cells degenerate, causing pinhead-sized wart-like growths to form, which, despite being benign, can cause mechanical impairment of the conjunctiva and cornea as they grow. The consequences are conjunctival redness and increased eye discharge. The constant mechanical irritation during blinking triggers a foreign body sensation in the eye, causing the dog to blink more frequently and start scratching. This can further aggravate the symptoms.
Melanomas can develop on the pigmented areas of the eyelid margin, which are also benign in most cases. They are caused by the degeneration of pigment cells and are more often flat than adenomas on the eyelid margin, so surgical removal is not always necessary.
These often virus-related, benign tumors are common in young dogs. Papilloma is a wart-like growth that has a cauliflower-like appearance. Although papillomas regress on their own, they should be surgically removed from the eyelid margin as they grow quickly and can also cause mechanical damage to the eye.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor, which means that there is a high probability of metastasis (spread) and aggressive growth. As a tumor of the eyelid margin, it is particularly common in cats, but in rare cases it can also be observed in dogs. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the degeneration of cells on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, known as squamous epithelium. Animals with lightly pigmented or white skin around the eyes are at increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor is often accompanied by severe inflammatory reactions, which is why it is often confused with other inflammatory changes at the onset.
With all forms of eyelid margin tumors, it is particularly important to take the affected animal to a veterinarian at the slightest sign of a change in the eyelid margin. The earlier a tumor is detected, the better it can be treated.
The veterinarian will be able to detect a tumor on the edge of the eyelid relatively easily during a general examination. However, surgical removal and pathological examination of the growth are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis regarding the type of tumor.
In most cases, both benign and malignant eyelid margin tumors must be surgically removed, as they can cause serious damage to the eye through mechanical irritation alone. The eyelid margin tumor is usually removed under general anesthesia using a wedge-shaped incision. The smaller the tumor, the easier it is to remove.
Less extensive eyelid margin tumors can also be removed using cryotherapy (freezing therapy), depending on their location.
Malignant tumors must be excised more extensively than benign tumors due to their proliferative growth, which is why complex reconstruction of the eyelid is often necessary during the course of the operation. In such cases, it is therefore always advisable to consult a specialist. Depending on the extent of the tumor and possible metastasis (= spread), the animal may require additional chemotherapy or radiation treatment after the operation.
The animal that has undergone eye surgery should wear a neck collar after the operation until the stitches are removed so as not to jeopardize the healing of the freshly sutured wound. The removed eyelid tumor is sent to a pathologist and examined to determine the type and malignancy (= degree of malignancy) of the tumor.
The chances of recovery depend primarily on the type of tumor and the damage it has already caused to the eye. In general, the earlier the tumor is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. In general, the prognosis is favorable after successful surgical removal of a tumor of the eyelid margin and without complications. The prognosis is worse if complications arise during or after surgery, if there is damage to surrounding tissue, or if a malignant tumor has already metastasized.
Since the exact causes of cell degeneration at the edge of the eyelid are still unknown, it is virtually impossible to prevent eyelid tumors. The risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma can be reduced, especially in light-colored animals, by protecting them from extreme sunlight. The development of all other types of tumors cannot be influenced by preventive measures.
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