Your specialist will examine the lesion and may recommend a biopsy.
The biopsy provides important information about:
Whether the lesion is a melanoma
The thickness of the melanoma
Whether any high-risk features are present
The most appropriate treatment options
Sometimes additional scans or investigations may be recommended.
Surgery is the main treatment for most eyelid melanomas.
The aim is to completely remove the melanoma while preserving eyelid function, comfort and appearance wherever possible.
Depending on the size and location of the melanoma, reconstruction of the eyelid may be required after removal.
Some patients may require:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Imaging scans
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies
Radiotherapy in selected cases
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual diagnosis.
Regular follow-up is an important part of melanoma care.
Surveillance may include:
Eyelid examinations
Skin checks
Lymph node assessment
Imaging in selected patients
The frequency of follow-up depends on the stage and features of your melanoma.
Good sun protection helps reduce the risk of future skin cancers.
We recommend:
Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Avoiding sunbeds
Seeking shade during periods of strong sunlight
Check your skin regularly and seek advice if you notice:
A new mole
Changes to an existing mole
New lumps around the neck, jaw or ears
Changes around a previous melanoma scar
Many eyelid melanomas are treated successfully, particularly when diagnosed early. Your specialist will discuss the outlook based on your individual diagnosis.
Not all patients require scans. This depends on the stage and characteristics of the melanoma.
Most eyelid melanomas can be treated without affecting vision. The specific risks depend on the location and size of the tumour.
Many patients are followed for several years after treatment to monitor for recurrence and detect any new skin cancers.
Most patients are treated successfully and remain well.
However, melanoma can occasionally recur:
At the original site
In nearby lymph nodes
Elsewhere in the body
For this reason, attending follow-up appointments is important.
Our ophthalmic oncology specialists require a referral letter or medical report prior to booking an initial consultation.
Please send these documents to our referrals team, who will liaise with the consultant to ensure you are seen by the most appropriate specialist.
This includes an initial consultation and a visual acuity assessment.
If further outpatient tests and investigations are required, they will be charged at an additional rate. The most commonly required test is an OCT scan. Your consultant will discuss this with you at your consultation.
The cost of onward treatment will be provided after initial consultation, based on your personalised treatment plan.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm excluding bank holidays for general enquiries or to book an appointment.
Send us your enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one working day