Histopathological Spectrum of Eyelid Lesions: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Nisha Samreen *
Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India.
Mohmed Chand Moula
Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India.
Naval Kishore
Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India.
Madhukar Reddy
SD Eye hospital Hyderabad, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Eyelid lesions are commonly encountered in ophthalmic practice and encompass a wide spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions. Accurate histopathological diagnosis is critical for appropriate management, given the functional and cosmetic significance of the eyelid.
Aims: To study the histopathological spectrum of eyelid lesions and evaluate their distribution and pathological characteristics at a tertiary care center.
Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology at Osmania Medical College and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, over a period of two years.
Methodology: A total of 400 patients presenting with eyelid lesions and undergoing biopsy were included. Lesions were classified as non-neoplastic (inflammatory, cystic, developmental) or neoplastic (benign, malignant) based on histopathology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed when required for definitive diagnosis. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: A total of 400 eyelid lesions were evaluated histopathologically. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 170 cases (42.5%), including epidermal/epidermoid cysts (92; 54.1%), chalazion (24; 14.1%), granulomatous reactions (23; 13.5%), dermoid cysts (25; 14.7%), abscess/suppurative lesions (6; 3.5%), and molluscum contagiosum (11; 6.5%). Benign neoplastic lesions comprised 189 cases (47.25%), with pigmented nevi (30; 15.9%), hemangioma (23; 12.2%), squamous papilloma (9; 4.8%), hydrocystadenoma (5; 2.6%), and other benign lesions (122; 64.6%). Malignant neoplastic lesions represented 41 cases (10.25%), including sebaceous cell carcinoma (21; 51.2%), basal cell carcinoma (8; 19.5%), squamous cell carcinoma (7; 17.1%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (3; 7.3%), and malignant melanoma (2; 4.9%).
Conclusion: Benign eyelid lesions are the most frequent, with malignant tumors representing a smaller but clinically significant subset, particularly sebaceous cell carcinoma in the Indian population. Histopathological evaluation, supplemented by IHC when necessary, remains essential for accurate diagnosis and optimal management. Early detection and proper classification are crucial to prevent morbidity and guide treatment strategies.
Keywords: Eyelid lesions, histopathology, sebaceous cell carcinoma, benign neoplasm, non-neoplastic, immunohistochemistry