Keratosis is a term that describes lesions caused by the overgrowth of keratin, the fibrous protein that forms the outer layers of your skin. Keratoses can form on the lid of your eye as well as on other areas of your body. In some cases, these growths are harmless, whereas in others they raise your risks for developing certain forms of skin cancer.
Seborrheic Keratosis
One form of keratosis, called seborrheic keratosis, can form a noncancerous tumor on your eyelid. Initially, seborrheic keratoses appear as tiny, rough bumps on the surface of your skin. Over time, they grow larger, turn brown or black and develop a texture similar to candle wax. Depending on your circumstances, you can develop keratoses that range from a few centimeters in diameter to the diameter of a half-dollar piece or larger. The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown, although genetic predisposition may play a significant role. Most people develop the condition during middle age or even later in life.
Actinic Keratosis
Another form of eyelid keratosis, called actinic or solar keratosis, forms as a crusty or scaly growth on your skin. Initially, actinic growths may be too small for you to see or resolve temporarily after first appearing. Eventually they form pink, red or tan lesions that range in size from an eighth of an inch to a quarter inch. The presence of actinic growths can produce symptoms that include itchiness, prickliness, tenderness, redness, inflammation and localized bleeding. Typically, actinic keratoses form as a result of sun-induced skin damage.
Health Implications
Seborrheic keratosis poses no real health concerns and typically does not require treatment, the Eye Cancer Network reports. In some cases, your doctor may perform tests to distinguish a seborrheic keratosis lesion from more dangerous forms of skin abnormality. If you have actinic keratosis, you have a roughly 10 percent chance of developing a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. In turn, roughly 40 to 60 percent of all cases of squamous cell carcinoma result from undiagnosed or untreated cases of actinic keratosis.
Considerations
In many cases, individuals with visible actinic keratosis lesions also have invisible lesions under their skin. In addition to squamous cell cancer, all types of skin cancer can arise from the type of sun damage that triggers actinic keratosis. If you have suspicious skin abnormalities on your eyelids, contact your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
