What should you know about melanoma on the upper eyelid?

Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells. On the upper eyelid it may appear as a new dark mark, a mole that changes in shape or shade, or pigment that reaches the lash line. Growth, crusting, itching, tenderness, or bleeding are reasons for review. These features can have other causes, so only examination and, when needed, biopsy can establish the diagnosis.

An eye specialist or dermatologist may inspect the eyelid, lashes, surrounding skin, and nearby nodes. The position matters because treatment must remove abnormal tissue while protecting eyelid movement and the eye.

Arrange prompt assessment with an eye doctor, dermatologist, or a team experienced in eyelid lesions. Do not apply wart medicine, steroid cream, or cosmetic camouflage unless advised. Bring a dated photograph if available and mention contact-lens use, prior skin cancer, bleeding, or changes in vision.

If melanoma is confirmed, treatment may involve carefully planned surgical excision or other skin cancer surgery. Depending on the findings, the team may discuss tumour removal surgery, a sentinel lymph node biopsy, or immunotherapy. Reconstruction can be planned when removal affects the eyelid contour.

Seek prompt review for a new, enlarging, irregular, multicoloured, crusting, or bleeding eyelid mark. Get urgent eye care for new vision changes, severe eye pain, inability to close the eyelid, marked swelling, or bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure.

Ask who should perform the biopsy, whether the lash line or eyelid margin is involved, and how treatment may affect eyelid closure and appearance. Discuss eye protection during healing, warning signs after treatment, lymph-node assessment, and the follow-up plan.