Biopsy of upper eyelid margin lesion
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This is Richard Allen at the University of Iowa. This video demonstrates excision of an upper lid margin lesion. The lesion has the appearance of a nevus, but has grown lately and the patient has requested excision. The area has been anesthetized and Westcott scissors are used to make an incision at the eyelid margin, parallel to it. This incision can also be made with a blade. With nevi, the patient needs to be aware that the excision will likely be incomplete and it is possible that the lesion will recur. Complete excision would likely cause a notch in the eyelid. If complete excision is requested by the patient, this would be best performed with a wedge resection. The area is inspected. In general hemostasis is attained through observation. Cautery can be used in this area but there is risk of damaging the eyelash follicles. Antibiotic ointment is placed over the area. The specimen is sent to the pathologist for evaluation. The patient can follow up as needed.
