Demographic and clinical characteristics of eyelid tumors in a tertiary ophthalmologic clinic: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Eyelid tumors represent a diverse group of ocular adnexal pathologies, ranging from innocuous benign lesions to highly aggressive malignant forms. Recognizing the demographic and clinical determinants associated with these tumors is crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy and selecting appropriate surgical strategies. The present study evaluates the demographic profile, histopathological spectrum, anatomical distribution, and surgical approaches for eyelid tumors managed at a tertiary ophthalmology center. A retrospective analysis was performed on 194 patients who underwent excision or biopsy of eyelid lesions between January 2020 and October 2025. Collected variables included patient age, sex, occupation, tumor laterality and anatomical site, histopathological diagnosis, surgical technique, anesthesia type, and biological behavior. Both descriptive and analytical statistical methods were applied, supplemented by visual tools such as kernel density plots, Pareto distribution charts, and malignancy risk mapping. Among the 194 cases reviewed, 97 were male and 97 females, with a mean age of 47.8 years (2–91 years). Benign tumors accounted for 128 patients (66%), whereas malignant lesions were identified in 66 individuals (34%). Chalazion, intradermal nevus, and verruca vulgaris were the most common benign diagnoses. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and sebaceous carcinoma. Malignant tumors occurred in significantly older patients (p<0.01). A greater incidence of malignancy was observed in tumors located on the lower eyelid. The majority of excisions (88.1%) were performed under local anesthesia. Eyelid tumors in our cohort demonstrated a predominance of benign lesions, though malignant tumors represented a substantial minority. Age and anatomical location were strong predictors of malignancy. Our findings underscore the importance of regional epidemiologic data in guiding clinical suspicion and surgical decision-making.