<p>My father has been referred to an oculoplastic consultant (MD) by his regular ophthalmologist to evaluate a small, white stye-like growth which has developed on the rim of his lower eyelid. The ophthalmologist suspects that it could be skin cancer and a biopsy might be performed? The first available appointment for the OC is in 2 months. This seems like a long time to wait if skin cancer is suspected. I was wondering if a dermatologist would be another/better option, if he could be seen sooner; or, due to the close proximity to the eye, is the OC the way to go? Any advice is welcome.</p>
<p>@YoHoYoHo is the expert in this area.</p>
<p>Thanks, @consolation,
@ snlmom,
I am an oculoplastic surgeon in the Los Angeles area.</p>
<p>Due to the close proximity to the eye, you definitely do not want to see a dermatologist, but instead need to see an oculoplastic surgeon. The majority of dermatologists will not touch the area around the eyelid, although I have seen a rare derm try to do this (they don’t know what they don’t know) with poor results.</p>
<p>The most common white colored skin cancer on the eyelid is basal cell carcinoma which is the mildest form of skin cancer and usually does not spread to the rest of the body. Thus, waiting 2 months is not dangerous. Even when the biopsy is positive for BCC, it’s no problem to wait for 2 more months to schedule the final excision or removal of all of the skin cancer. If it is skin cancer, it is important to remove it, though, because it will keep getting bigger which makes the reconstruction of the eyelid more difficult to make it look exactly like the other side.</p>
<p>@YoHoYoHo - Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. It’s a relief to know that the 2 month wait will not be an issue and that he will be seeing the proper specialist for the job!</p>